The Structure of the Wind-Driven Circulation in the Subtropical South Pacific Ocean*

Abstract

The structure of the wind-driven circulation in the subtropical South Pacific is studied using simple diagnostic and analytical models. The diagnostic calculation is based on the Levitus climatology. The analytical model is forced by observed winter mixed layer density and depth calculated from the Levitus climatology and by the surface wind stress data from the Hellerman and Rosenstein climatology. The wind-driven gyre in the South Pacific is relatively deep, reaching 2.4 km along the southern edge of the gyre. The gross feature of subduction obtained from both the data analysis and the analytical model is similar, with an annual ventilation rate of 21.6 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), including 18.1 Sv from vertical pumping and 3.5 Sv from lateral induction. Although the annual subduction rate in the South Pacific is comparable to that in the North Atlantic, lack of localized subduction leads to relatively weak mode water formation in the region where the East Australian Current separates from its western boundary. In addition, results from the analytical model indicate the existence of an isopycnal slope reversal in the southeastern Pacific.