Observations of intraseasonal variability in the Sunda Strait throughflow

Using velocity profiles observed by bottom-mounted ADCPs, we identified strong intraseasonal variability in the Sunda Strait throughflow. This intraseasonal variability, with typical periods of 20–40 days and the strongest energy occurring in the boreal spring, can reverse the Sunda Strait throughflow. Further analysis showed this intraseasonal variability to be closely related to local zonal wind and the sea level gradient along the strait. These observations confirm for the first time the existence of Kelvin-wave-like signals in the Sunda Strait, propagating from the equatorial Indian Ocean. This study also provides new insights into the effects of Kelvin waves on the Sunda Strait throughflow.