Seasonal variability of sea surface height in the South China Sea observedwith TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data

TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter measurements along 16 ground tracks in the South C hina Sea from November 1992 to October 1997 were used to observe the season al variability of sea surface height (SSH). In winter (November, December, January, and February) the SSH images are generally characterized by a sea surface tilting downward toward the east. High sea levels on the western si de of the sea have a little monthly change, and a low (minus) sea level pea k is centered in the northeastern deep basin. In spring (March and April), a single high sea level peak (HP) centered at 14 degrees N, 114 degrees E b ecomes a dominant feature. In summer (May, june, July, and August) the SSH images show a sea surface tilting downward toward the west. The HP moves fr om 14 degrees N, 114 degrees E in May to the northwest of Luzon Island in J uly. Law sea levels are centered in the offshore of the northern and southe rn Vietnamese coast. In fall (September and October) the appearance of an e astward low sea level jet in the western basin between 12 degrees and 14 de grees N constitutes a major feature of the SSH images. These results are co mparable with previous results and drifter measurements.