What is the speed of the current in the Taiwan Strait?

Speed of the Current in the Taiwan Strait

The Taiwan Strait, a narrow body of water separating Taiwan from mainland China, experiences currents that are considerably slower than the surrounding Kuroshio Current. The average speed of the current in the Taiwan Strait is approximately 0.29 meters per second (m/s).

The Kuroshio Current, a powerful ocean current that flows northward along the eastern coast of Taiwan, has an average speed of over 2 m/s. In contrast, the currents in the Taiwan Strait are relatively weak and sluggish. This difference in speed is primarily due to the topography of the strait and the influence of the Kuroshio Current.

The Taiwan Strait is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 50 meters. The shallow depth restricts the flow of water and reduces the speed of the current. Additionally, the Kuroshio Current, which flows along the eastern side of the strait, has a strong westward component that pushes water into the strait and slows down the current.

The speed of the current in the Taiwan Strait is not constant but fluctuates slightly with the seasons. During the summer months, the current tends to be stronger, reaching speeds of up to 0.35 m/s. In the winter months, the current slows down to around 0.25 m/s.

The relatively slow speed of the current in the Taiwan Strait has implications for navigation and fishing activities. Vessels navigating through the strait need to be aware of the slow currents and adjust their speed and course accordingly. Additionally, the slow currents can affect the distribution of marine life and fisheries in the area.