Analysis of Influencing Factors on Currents in the Southeastern Coastal Waters of Hainan Island

Abstract

This study is based on the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) to simulate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of currents in the southeastern coastal waters of Hainan Island and its surrounding areas. The reliability of the model was verified through tidal system validation and water level validation. Four sensitivity tests were conducted to investigate the influencing factors and their mechanisms, and the results were quantified. The findings indicate that the summer flow field in this region is primarily driven by temperature, salinity, wind, and boundary currents, with contribution values of 52%, -11%, and - 7%, respectively. In winter, the flow field is mainly driven by wind and temperature-salinity, with contribution values of 98% and 31%, respectively. The minimal contribution of tides in both typical seasons indicates that tidal forces in this region are relatively weak, with small tidal currents. Unlike in other coastal areas, tides do not play a dominant role in the flow field of this nearshore region.