Surface circulation associated with the Mindanao and Halmahera Eddies

Abstract

During June and July, 19bS, an AXBT survey was conducted southeast of Mindanao, Philippines in conjunction with C'lD sections completed along the coast of Mindanao. Simuhaneously, six Lagrangian drilters are launched in the Mindanao Current. Analysis of the data indicate a highly dynamic and compUcaied circulation which forms the origin of the North Equatorial Countercurrent. Strong shears are observed across the Mindanao current and across a current located on the northeast coast of Borneo, and based on water mass characteristics and Lagrangian data, the general positions and strengths of the Mindanao and Halmahera Eddies.