Numerical Investigation of the Upper Ocean Response to the Typhoon Winnie (1997) Using an Air-Sea Coupled Model

In order to investigate the impact of air-sea interaction on the ocean surface mixed layer, Typhoon Winnie (1997) was numerical simulated with a two-way air-sea coupled model MCM (Mesoscale Coupled Model). It shows that the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) decreases over a large area with a magnitude up to 4°C. The sea temperature at 30-50 m depth increases about 1°C corresponding to the surface cooling. Moreover, the oceanic mixed layer depth deepens by 20-30 m. It can be included that these variations in the upper ocean are mainly due to vertical mixing induced by the wind stress of the typhoon.