Seasonal variation of the shape and location of the Luzon cold eddy

Using observational data from multiple satellites, we studied seasonal variations of the shape and location of the Luzon cold eddy (LCE) northwest of Luzon Island. The shape and location of the LCE have obvious seasonal variations. The LCE occurs, develops, and disappears from December to April of the next year. During this period, the shape of the LCE changed from a flat ellipse to a circular ellipse, and the change in shape can be reflected by the increase of the ellipticity of the LCE from 0.16 to 0.82. The latitude of center location of the LCE changes from 17.4°N to 19°N, and the change in latitude can reach 1.6°. Further study showed that seasonal variation of the northeast monsoon intensity leads to the change in the shape and location of the LCE. The seasonal variation of the LCE shape can significantly alter the spatial distribution of the thermal front and chlorophyll a northwest of the Luzon Island by geostrophic advection.