A Study on the meteorological influences towards the physical characteristics of coastal water in Bidong Island

Abstract

This investigation is aimed to determine the physical characteristics and also to determine the meteorological effects on the physical characteristics of coastal water in Bidong Island. Study on water temperature showed low albedo of sea water caused higher water temperature in late afternoon than in the morning and early afternoon. Nonetheless, strong wind decreased sea water temperature. While salinity distribution analysis showed evaporation result from solar radiation and strong wind increased sea water salinity. However, precipitation declined sea water salinity through dilution factor. When there is sunny daylight, sea water salinity and water temperature recorded higher. Mixed layer depth increased when the strong wind blows across sea water. The Temperature/Salinity (T/S) diagram has shown that, in July, the sea water in Bidong Island shared common characteristics with sea water in South China Sea (SCS) during the Southwest Monsoon. The analysis revealed that the current circulation near Bidong Island was influenced by tide. Costal water in Bidong Island flowed toward coastal area of Kuala Terengganu (Kn during rising while flowed away from coastal area near KT during falling tide. Nevertheless, strong wind is able to alter the current direction generated from tidal effect. Current speed is higher during rising tide if compare to falling tide.