Surface dynamic topography of antarctic waters

Abstract

The sea surface dynamic-height anomaly relative to the 2500–db level for the antarctic waters displays new details of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The width and intensity of the current vary greatly; constrictions occur south of the Campbell plateau at the Drake Passage (near 145°W), although the flow is relatively diffuse over the Southeast and Southwest Pacific basins. The variation of sea surface slope across the Drake Passage is nearly the same as that observed in the tidal records at the opposing coast lines. To the lee of the Campbell plateau and 145°W are wavelike structures in the dynamic topography suggestive of Rossby waves.