The geographical influence towards current circulation and physical characteristics of Bidong Island

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze and determine current circulation pattern and physical characteristics ofBidong Island water from data collected on June 2011. The insitu data was collected by using Hydrolab Quanta and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The data was analyzed by using MATLAB software and Microsoft Excel. The data were grouped into Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D in order to determine the geographical influence towards current circulation pattern, temperature and salinity. From the result obtained, temperature values were from 25.56 to 29.84 °C. Group B recorded lower temperature while temperature distributions of Group D were highest. Salinity in Bidong Island was from 32.49 to 33.52 ppt. Distributions of salinity were almost constant except for Group B. Results showed stratification layer at Bidong Island. Current circulation profile was almost constant in directions and speeds from surface to 5 m. Currents move in mix direction, suspected to be result of deflection and recirculation. Most of currents were directed to northwest and southwest. Currents at upper side of Bidong Island which was Group A and Group C were more consistent in direction than Group B and Group D. Inconsistent of current circulation area were surrounded near Karah Island in which below Bidong Island. It is suspected that there is geographical influenced between the islands.