Upper layer structure and variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the Drake Passage

Abstract

The spatiotemporal variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) structure in the upper 100–800 m layer is analyzed at two sections in the Drake Passage. The existence of the Subantarctic and Polar Current superjets, formed due to the confluence of a few jets together, is confirmed. Peak eddy activity at the periphery of all the ACC jets is revealed, which demonstates intensive meridional eddy exchange of properties across the Passage. The ACC jets are strongly coherent in the vertical direction. The ACC upper layer transport intensifies over bottom relief rises because of jet acceleration during their crossing.