The 1997-98 El Niño and 1999 La Niña evolution of current around the Fiji Islands

Abstract

The current around Fiji Islands during different phases of 1997-98 El Niño and the subsequent 1999 La Niña was investigated. During its mature phase of the El Niño event, westward current of magnitude 20 cm s^-1 developed in the region north of 15 °S latitude and that the current of similar magnitude flowed in the reverse direction during 1999 La Niña event. Below 21 °S latitude, the flow of magnitude 20 cm s^-1 was eastward regardless of El Niño or La Niña conditions. The current between 15 °S latitude and 21 °S latitude was, however, not very clearly defined. At early stage of 1997-98 El Niño phase, the flow was eastward with an average speed of 5 – 10 cm s^-1 and that at the later phase, the flow became westward at slightly greater speed of around 10 – 15 cm s^-1. However, contrary is observed during the La Niña period.