SEASONAL VARIATION OF WATER CHARACTERISTICS DURING INTER-MONSOON ALONG THE EAST COAST OF JOHOR

Inter-seasonal influence of monsoon on the South China Sea oceanographic condition is apparent. Nonetheless, little information exists on temporal variation in the southeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially near Johor. Two cruises have been conducted in two different monsoon seasons, both in October 2004 and March 2005. Accordingly, in this study, we examine the water-characteristics profile of the two periods. The results show that the differences in the hydrographical structures are apparent. In March, lower temperature is recorded with higher salinity than October. The TS diagram also suggests that the water of both periods do not share any similarity. This indicates that the water mass of both seasons might originate from different places. Comparisons with earlier studies suggest that influence of current circulation pattern during monsoon period toward the water profile is believed to be main reason. Additionally, some local effects such as sea surface heat flux and wind stress are also among the factors. This oceanographic seasonal differences described in this study are not only important for the area, but will also provide valuable information for the coastal region of southern South China Sea where the understanding of the temporal variation is lacking.