The characteristic of eddies in the Banda Sea is investigated using the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) for 64 years (from 1950 to 2013). The results from the model were verified against the current from Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO/TRITON) data. The verification showed that the model simulates the condition in the area of study relatively well. This study clearly reveals the existence of eddies in the Banda Sea, consists of two cyclonic eddies and one anticyclonic, and its relation to decadal and interannual variability. During the warm phase of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), eddies in the Banda Sea occur more frequently, meanwhile, during El Niño episodes, eddies in the Banda Sea formed are stronger and have a larger size.

eddies, Banda Sea, November, PDO, ENSO.