Two-dimensional mapping of fine structures in the Kuroshio Current using seismic reflection data

Multi-channel seismic reflection data acquired in the Pacific Ocean off the Muroto peninsula of Shikoku Island, Japan reveal the two-dimensional distribution of fine structures in the Kuroshio Current. Eighty-one seismic sections, each extending 80 km perpendicular to the current and separated by 100 m, were acquired from 20 June to 15 August 1999 (57 days). The seismic data clearly show that fine structures extend over 40 km perpendicular to the current in almost all of the profiles. A simulation study using acoustic model from CTD data demonstrates that fine structure of temperature and salinity identified in CTD data acquired from the Kuroshio Current off the Ashizuri peninsula yield a synthetic seismic profile with characteristics similar to the Muroto transect profiles.