Salinity Minimum in the Upper Layer of the Sea of Japan

V. A. Sosnin and N. I. Rudykh

Analyzed is the intraannual variability of vertical distribution of salinity in the southern part of the Sea of Japan. It is demonstrated that the sign change in freshwater balance is the reason for the formation and disappearance of minima and maxima of salinity in the water column. The dynamics of variability of salinity minima parameters is demonstrated for the first time. The conclusion is made that the salinity minimum cannot be considered as a water mass because it is a temporary phenomenon.