The eddy-dipole mode interaction and the decadal variability of the Kuroshio Extension system

Abstract

In this paper, the physical cause of why the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the upstream Kuroshio Extension (KE) region is strong (weak) during a large (small) jet meandering period is studied by using the satellite altimeter data and constructing an eddy-dipole mode interaction theory from a reduced gravity shallow water wave quasi-geostrophic vorticity equation. It is found that the large KE jet meander corresponds to a large-scale positive-over-negative dipole SSH anomaly (KED− mode, hereafter), a double-branch jet with a weak strength and a strong EKE in the upstream KE region, while the small jet meander corresponds to a negative-over-positive dipole anomaly (KED+ mode, hereafter), a strong single-branch jet, and a weak EKE. Further diagnostics using this new eddy-dipole mode interaction theory reveals that the horizontal advection and KED deformation field can change the eddy activity in the upstream KE region. When the KED− mode is amplified by mesoscale eddies, the EKE grows by extracting energy from the KED− deformation (shearing and stretching) field and due to a reduced eastward advection, thus showing a high EKE level during the KED− mode (large jet meander) episode. In contrast, when the KED+ mode is intensified, the kinetic energy of the eddy weakens by losing its energy to the KED+ deformation field and by an enhanced eastward advection, thus showing a low EKE level during the KED+ mode (small jet meander) episode. Because the KED mode shows a clear decadal variation due to the modulation of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, both the KE jet and EKE exhibit inevitably a distinct decadal variability.