Variability Of Eddy Kinetic Energy Research Articles

Long-term variation of the eddy kinetic energy in the Northeastern South China sea

The seasonal to interannual variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the Northeastern South China Sea (NE-SCS) has been widely studied and it is recognized that they are strongly related to the state of the Kuroshio pathway in the Luzon Strait. While, due to the lack of long-term observations and high-resolution simulations, the decadal change of EKE in NE-SCS remains unexplored. In this study, we show the EKE trend in the past ∼ 30 years in the NE-SCS by using satellite observation and global HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model reanalysis with the Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation. It is found that due to the weakening of the Kuroshio in the Luzon Strait since 1990 s, the Kuroshio shows an enhanced looping path in the NE-SCS, inducing stronger EKE in this region. Further analysis confirms that the energy transfer by baroclinic instability is dominant for the increasing of EKE, when the Kuroshio intrudes into the NE-SCS and brings more potential energy inside the circulation. The Kuroshio state along the Luzon Strait is the key for modulating the EKE in the NE-SCS. Furthermore, the long-term weakening of Kuroshio current along the Luzon strait during 1993–2020 is determined by the decreasing of subtropical mode water, corresponding to the positive phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. This study provides insight into the interaction between marginal sea (i.e., the SCS) and the open ocean (i.e., the western Pacific Ocean), finally linking to the global climate change.

Surface eddy kinetic energy variability of the Western North Atlantic slope sea 1993–2016

The Slope Sea is the dynamic ocean region located between the United States and Canadian northeast continental shelves and the northeastward flowing Gulf Stream (GS) located farther offshore. Here we define it as located between the 200-m isobath and the monthly GS sea surface temperature (SST) front from −75° to −55° E. Monthly mean near-surface eddy kinetic energy (EKE) was computed for the Slope Sea using surface geostrophic current anomalies derived from gridded 1993–2016 Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) sea height anomalies. Long-term, monthly mean Slope Sea EKE anomalies show a robust seasonal cycle with a winter (February) minimum and summer (June) maximum. This agrees with both seasonally-varying density stratification and dissipation and also the seasonal variation in the formation of GS WCRs within the Slope Sea. The RMS of the Slope Sea EKE seasonal cycle generally increased after 2002 by a factor of up to ∼2 relative to prior years. The seasonal cycle of Slope Sea EKE displayed higher EKE in the vicinity of the New England Seamount Chain (NESC) that extends towards the shelf break front from approximately −67° E to −63° E. Interannual variability of annual mean near-surface EKE from individual digitized GS warm core ring (WCR) observations from a Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) WCR database is highly correlated with Slope Sea EKE. However, interannual variability of annual mean near-surface EKE computed from a census of all newly formed WCRs displayed only a weak correlation. Many of the WCRs from both the BIO and WCR census displayed anomalously low EKE values and were observed within the northern Slope Sea away from the GS. Some were located inshore of the position of the climatological mean shelf break front. WCRs with higher EKE were located throughout the Slope Sea, with higher numbers in the vicinity of the NESC. The many observations of the less energetic features located close to or inshore of the mean shelf break front suggest they are important to cross-shelf fluxes of heat, salt, nutrients, shelf biota. They therefore likely impact the shelf ecosystem, similar to the more energetic and typical WCRs impacting the outer shelf as discussed by earlier workers.

Variability of Eddy Kinetic Energy in the Eurasian Basin of the Arctic Ocean Inferred From a Model Simulation at 1‐km Resolution

AbstractMesoscale eddies play an important role in driving the dynamics of the Arctic Ocean. Understanding their behavior is crucial for comprehending the ongoing changes in the region. In this study, by using a novel decade‐long simulation at 1 km resolution with the unstructured‐mesh Finite volumE Sea ice‐Ocean Model, we evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the Eurasian Basin. We find that monthly, annual, and interannual variability of EKE near the surface is predominantly influenced by changes in sea ice cover, while the eddy activity at deeper depth, being shielded from the surface by ocean stratification, is more strongly influenced by local baroclinic energy conversion. Moreover, our research demonstrates that eddies in the Eurasian Basin can transport ocean heat from the Atlantic Water layer toward sea ice and cause local basal melting in the order of about 20 cm per month even in wintertime. Our study suggests that eddy activity in the Arctic Ocean will strengthen along with future sea ice decline, and that the impact of ocean heat of the Atlantic Water layer on sea ice retreat may become prominent.

Exploring the ocean mesoscale at reduced computational cost with FESOM 2.5: efficient modeling strategies applied to the Southern Ocean

Abstract. Modeled projections of climate change typically do not include a well-resolved ocean mesoscale due to the high computational cost of running high-resolution models for long time periods. This challenge is addressed using efficiency-maximizing modeling strategies applied to 3 km simulations of the Southern Ocean in past, present, and future climates. The model setup exploits reduced-resolution spin-up and transient simulations to initialize a regionally refined, high-resolution ocean model during short time periods. The results are compared with satellite altimetry data and more traditional eddy-present simulations and evaluated based on their ability to reproduce observed mesoscale activity and to reveal a response to climate change distinct from natural variability. The high-resolution simulations reproduce the observed magnitude of Southern Ocean eddy kinetic energy (EKE) well, but differences remain in local magnitudes and the distribution of EKE. The coarser, eddy-permitting ensemble simulates a similar pattern of EKE but underrepresents observed levels by 55 %. At approximately 1 ∘C of warming, the high-resolution simulations produce no change in overall EKE, in contrast to full ensemble agreement regarding EKE rise within the eddy-permitting simulations. At approximately 4 ∘C of warming, both datasets produce consistent levels of EKE rise in relative terms, although not absolute magnitudes, as well as an increase in EKE variability. Simulated EKE rise is concentrated where flow interacts with bathymetric features in regions already known to be eddy-rich. Regional EKE change in the high-resolution simulations is consistent with changes seen in at least four of five eddy-permitting ensemble members at 1 ∘C of warming and all ensemble members at 4 ∘C. However, substantial noise would make these changes difficult to distinguish from natural variability without an ensemble.

Factors Modulating the Variability of Eddy Kinetic Energy in the Southern Ocean from Idealized Simulations

The Southern Ocean is characterized by high levels of eddy activity, which are crucial for the vertical exchange or transfer of matter, energy, and momentum. Previous studies have shown that the variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the Southern Ocean is primarily intrinsic. However, the factors that modulate the forced and intrinsic variability of the EKE remain unclear. In this study, we conduct a series of idealized simulations and apply ensemble analysis to investigate the impact of topography and wind-stress perturbations on the forced and intrinsic variability of the EKE and their relative contributions. The results show that while the large wind-stress perturbation obviously increases the forced variability of EKE by enhancing the Ekman response, the topography not only amplifies the forced variability by sharpening isopycnals and energizing the mean flow but also intensifies the intrinsic variability of EKE. However, EKE variabilities in both complex-topographic and flat-bottom cases are dominated by their intrinsic components, even when driven by escalated wind-stress perturbations. These findings deepen our understanding of the eddy field, its ongoing variability in the Southern Ocean, and its potential impact on the balance of heat, carbon, and freshwater.

Influence of rossby wave in southern Indian Ocean on the low frequency variability of eddy kinetic energy within agulhas current system

The basin-scale wave propagation in the Southern Indian Ocean (SIO) is inferred to affect the low-frequency variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) within the Agulhas current system (ACS). Observations and numerical simulations indicate that westward-propagating waves, in the form of sea level variability from the east boundary, may cause “non-linear” oceanic responses (e.g., sea level and EKE) in the ACS. This is likely due to two factors: (i) the movement of wave crests and troughs continuously alters the stratification of the upper ocean, generating a positive baroclinic instability and prompting conversions of EKE from mean flow in the source regions, and (ii) wave-current interactions induce a rapid intension of an anticyclone gyre in the interior SIO and the corresponding EKE in the downstream regions. These basin-scale wave modulations may provide an additional perspective to the traditional wind driving view based on the barotropic Sverdrup relation. The local winds over the SIO play an important role in maintaining basin-scale Rossby waves in the southwest Indian Ocean and further modulating oceanic low-frequency variability in a “quasi-linear” way.

Investigation of ocean environmental variables and their variations associated with major Loop Current eddy-shedding events in the Gulf of Mexico

The eddy kinetic energy (EKE) variability associated with 26 major Loop Current eddies (LCEs) in the Gulf of Mexico from 1994 through 2019 was investigated. We employed 3D multivariate observation-based ARMOR3D monthly ocean analyses of salinity, temperature, and geostrophic velocity field data. In addition, we used ERA5 wind data, the fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric global climate reanalysis, to analyze internal and external forcing processes affecting the evolution of these LCEs. The energy analysis was performed to understand the role of barotropic (BT) and baroclinic (BC) instabilities and their associated energy conversion mechanisms in EKE generation. Our results suggest that BT instabilities are the primary source of EKE variability in the upper water column of the LC system. Furthermore, BT was positively correlated with Yucatan Channel (YC) transport during these major LCE shedding events. YC transport plays a significant role in energy conversion from mean kinetic energy to EKE, Loop Current growth, and generation of LCEs. BC instability was inversely correlated with buoyancy frequency, and a decrease in stratification triggers the development of BC instability, which favors eddy shedding. An eddy shedding index (ESI) was developed to quantify EKE evolution. Major LCE shedding occurs when ESI ≥0.46.

Characteristics and Dynamics of the Interannual Eddy Kinetic Energy Variation in the Central Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean

AbstractMesoscale eddies play a crucial role in the dynamical balance of the Southern Ocean (SO) circulation. Yet, it remains unclear why the SO transient eddy activity has significant variations on interannual time scales, and to what extent these low‐frequency variations are attributed to wind forcing changes. Here we use a functional analysis tool, namely, the multiscale window transform (MWT), the MWT‐based theory of canonical transfer and a time‐dependent energetics framework to investigate these issues. Our focus is on the central Pacific sector of the SO in which there is a significant time‐mean and interannual variability of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE). It is found that wind stress does not directly contribute to the interannual EKE variability through wind power injection to the eddies; instead, the influence is fulfilled indirectly through two internal pathways. First, the baroclinic pathway in which the wind‐generated mean kinetic energy (MKE) is converted to the mean available potential energy (APE), and is further released to eddy APE and finally to EKE through baroclinic instability, is the dominant one. Second, the barotropic pathway, in which MKE directly fuels EKE through barotropic instability, is faster but secondary, and its influence is only concentrated along the axis of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Our results highlight the dynamical connections between the internal and external processes in the SO energy system, and provide insights into the predictability of the SO eddies on interannual time scales.

Interannual eddy variability in the eastern Ryukyu Island chain

Interannual eddy variability in the eastern Ryukyu Island chain (RIC) was analyzed based on eddy trajectories and assimilation data. Analysis of the eddy trajectory data suggested a predominance of eddies originating near the study area. The occurrence frequency of eddies has interannual variability, but it demonstrates a different tendency with eddy kinetic energy (EKE): few eddies appear when EKE is high; however, they are strong with fast rotation speeds and increase in size. The EKE variability was correlated with the baroclinic conversion rates, suggesting a vital role of baroclinic instability in the study area. Baroclinic instability was found to be affected by the North Equatorial Current (NEC), during which more NEC water entered the eastern RIC, intensifying the vertical velocity shear between the upper and lower oceans. Consequently, baroclinic instability in the study area was enhanced.

Seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the Banda Sea revealed by an ocean model: An energy budget perspective

Seasonal eddy kinetic energy (EKE) variability in the Banda Sea during 1993–2014 is studied from an energy budget perspective, based on the outputs of Ocean Forecasting Australian Model version 3. High EKE is confined within the upper 300 m of the western Banda Sea with the largest intensity exceeding 3 × 103 J/m2 in the northwest monsoon (NWM) season. In this strong EKE region during NWM, eddies derive almost two thirds of their kinetic energy from the direct wind power input (WP), with additional contributions from the barotropic (BT) and baroclinic instability (BC) of the background flow. Both WP and BT modulate the EKE seasonality and drive the peak energy during NWM, while BC strengthens in the southeast monsoon (SEM) season because of the intensified baroclinicity of the upper circulation. The westerly wind bursts associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), together with steep topography, facilitate more cyclonic eddy generation events in the western Banda Sea during NWM. During SEM, EKE becomes relatively moderate across the Banda Sea but with a regional peak to the southwest of the Buru Island, which can be attributed to island wake effect. Over the Banda Sea, WP, BT and BC contribute 74% (42%), 14% (19%) and 12% (39%) of total energy to EKE during NWM (SEM), respectively. The majority of EKE generated is diverged horizontally by pressure work and dissipated by turbulent viscosity, with dissipation depleting the most. This study highlights the importance of both monsoon and MJO wind forcing in generating EKE variability along the pathway of the Indonesian Throughflow.

Seasonal Variability of Eddy Kinetic Energy along the Kuroshio Current

Abstract The seasonal variability of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) along the Kuroshio Current (KC) is examined using outputs from an eddy-resolving (1/10°) ocean model. Using a theoretical framework for climatological monthly mean EKE, the mechanisms governing the seasonal cycle of upper-ocean EKE are investigated. East of Taiwan, the EKE shows two comparable peaks in spring and summer in the surface layer; only the spring one is evident in the subsurface layer. The seasonality is determined by mixed barotropic (BTI) and baroclinic (BCI) instabilities. Northeast of Taiwan, the EKE is also elevated during spring–summer but with a sole peak in summer, which is dominated by the meridional EKE advection by the KC. In the middle part of the KC in the East China Sea, the mesoscale (>150 km) EKE (EKEMS) is relatively strong during spring–summer, whereas the submesoscale (50–150 km) EKE (EKESM) is significantly enhanced during winter–spring. The seasonal cycles of EKEMS and EKESM are primarily controlled by the external forcing and BCI, respectively. In particular, the higher EKEMS level in summer is mainly due to the increased wind work. West of the Tokara Strait, the EKE exhibits a prominent peak in winter and has its minimum in summer, which is regulated by the BCI. As the submesoscale signals are partially resolved by the model, further studies with higher-resolution simulations and observations are needed for a better understanding of the EKESM seasonality and its contribution to the seasonally modulating EKEMS along the KC.

Mesoscale Variability Linked to Interannual Displacement of Gulf Stream

AbstractThe impacts of interannual oscillations of the Gulf Stream (GS) on oceanic mesoscale variability are investigated using satellite observations of sea surface height (SSH) and sea surface temperature (SST) from 1993 to 2018. We show that variations in GS position, strength, and meandering status are the dominant spatiotemporal modes in regional SSH variability as they explain over 50% of the total variance. In particular, meridional shift of the GS associated with the large‐scale wind variation over the North Atlantic contributes to approximately 30% of SSH variability. We further find that this path displacement mode can drive approximately 15% of regional mesoscale variability in eddy kinetic energy and divergent eddy heat flux. This observational‐based evidence of ocean mesoscale response to GS shift infers a potentially important forcing mechanism that could drive eddy‐scale ocean variability and has far‐reaching implications for regional ocean and ecosystem dynamics in response to climate variation.

Interannual variability of eddy kinetic energy in the South China Sea related to two types of winter circulation events

Interannual variability of eddy kinetic energy in the South China Sea related to two types of winter circulation events

Seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the East Australian current region

The East Australian Current (EAC) is an important western boundary current of the South Pacific subtropical Circulation with high mesoscale eddy kinetic energy (EKE). Based on satellite altimeter observations and outputs from the eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model (OGCM) for the Earth Simulator (OFES), the seasonal variability of EKE and its associated dynamic mechanism in the EAC region are studied. High EKE is mainly concentrated in the shear-region between the poleward EAC southern extension and the equatorward EAC recirculation along Australia's east coast, which is confined within the upper ocean (0-300 m). EKE in this area exhibits obvious seasonal variation, strong in austral summer with maximum (465±89 cm² s-²) in February and weak in winter with minimum (334±48 cm² s-²) in August. Energetics analysis from OFES suggests that the seasonal variability of EKE is modulated by the mixed instabilities composed of barotropic and baroclinic instabilities confined within the upper ocean, and barotropic instability (baroclinic instability) is the main energy source of EKE in austral summer (winter). The barotropic process is mainly controlled by the zonal shear of meridional velocities of the EAC southern extension and the EAC recirculation. The poleward EAC southern extension and the equatorward EAC recirculation are synchronously strengthened (weakened) due to the local positive (negative) sea level anomalies (SLA) under geostrophic equilibrium, and the barotropic instability dominated by zonal shear is enhanced (slackened), which results in a high (low) level of EKE in the EAC region.

Seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the north Indian Ocean

The seasonality of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is analyzed in the north Indian Ocean by adopting high-resolution ocean reanalysis data. Significant eddy energy can be mainly spotted in six regions, including the Somali Current (SC) region, the Gulf of Aden, the Laccadive Sea, the east of Sri Lanka, the East Indian Coastal Current (EICC) region, and the northwest of Sumatra. As the most energetic region, the EKE averaged above 200 m could exceed 0.15 m2·s-2 in the SC region, whereas the mean EKE above 200 m is less than 0.04 m2·s-2 in the other regions. The barotropic and baroclinic instabilities are vital to eddy energy, and the contribution of each term in the barotropic/baroclinic equations varies with season and region. In the SC region and EICC region, EKE is primarily generated by barotropic conversion due to the sharp velocity shear caused by the strong SC during the summer monsoon and the EICC from March to June. For the other regions, the leading source of EKE is the eddy potential energy (EPE), which is extracted from available potential energy of mean flow via baroclinic conversion, and then the EPE is converted into EKE through vertical density flux. Once generated, EKE will be redistributed by pressure work and advection via eddy energy flux, which varies in sync with the monthly variation of total EKE, transporting EKE to the adjacent region or deeper layer. From the vertical aspect, eddy energy conversions are more prominent above 200 m. The maximal EKE and barotropic conversion mostly occur at the surface, whereas the EPE and baroclinic conversion may have two peaks, which lie at the surface and in the thermocline. Using the satellite altimeter data and wind data, we further investigate the impact of geostrophic eddy wind work, which reveals a slightly dampening effect to EKE in the north Indian Ocean.

Dynamics of Interannual Eddy Kinetic Energy Variability in the Sulawesi Sea Revealed by OFAM3

AbstractInterannual variations in eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the Sulawesi Sea and their driving mechanisms are investigated based on the outputs of Ocean Forecasting Australia Model version 3 from 1979 to 2014. The interannual EKE variability is found to be primarily modulated by the Mindanao Current intrusion transport (MCIT). By regulating the intensity of barotropic instability of the cyclonic loop current in the Sulawesi Sea, the MCIT fluctuation leads to the downstream interannual EKE variations. Further analysis suggests that the paths of Mindanao Current (MC) and New Guinea Coastal Current and Undercurrent (NGCC/NGCUC) influence the interannual MCIT variability. During high‐EKE periods, the NGCC/NGCUC is weakened, and the MC retroflection extends to south of 5°N, which causes MCIT to increase by 0.60 Sv and strengthens the barotropic energy conversion from mean kinetic energy to EKE in the Sulawesi Sea. During low‐EKE periods, the NGCC/NGCUC is intensified whereas the MC retroflection retreats to a northernmost path, resulting in a decrease of 0.58 Sv in MCIT and thus a low EKE level. In addition, mesoscale eddies to the east of the Sulawesi Sea in the western Pacific also have an impact on the MC intrusion. This study highlights the significance of the nonlinear dynamics of western boundary currents in modulating eddy activities in the formation region of the Indonesian Throughflow.

Horizontal Stirring Over the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf: The Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Surface Eddy Kinetic Energy

AbstractThis study examines the spatial and temporal variability of eddy kinetic energy over the Northeast Shelf using observations of surface currents from a unique array of six high frequency radar systems. Collected during summer and winter conditions over three consecutive years, the horizontal scales present were examined in the context of local wind and hydrographic variability, which were sampled concurrently from moorings and autonomous surface vehicles. While area‐averaged mean kinetic energy at the surface was tightly coupled to wind forcing, eddy kinetic energy was not, and was lower in magnitude in winter than summer in all areas. Kinetic energy wavenumber spectral slopes were generally near k−5/3, but varied seasonally, spatially, and between years. In contrast, wavenumber spectra of surface temperature and salinity along repeat transect lines had sharp k−3 spectral slopes with little seasonal or inter‐annual variability. Radar‐based estimates of spectral kinetic energy fluxes revealed a mean transition scale of energy near 18 km during stratified months, but suggested much longer scales during winter. Overall, eddy kinetic energy was unrelated to local winds, but the up‐ or down‐scale flux of kinetic energy was tied to wind events and, more weakly, to local density gradients.

The Interannual Variability of Eddy Kinetic Energy in the Kuroshio Large Meander Region and Its Relationship to the Kuroshio Latitudinal Position at 140°E

AbstractIn this study, the variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the Kuroshio large meander (LM) region is investigated using both satellite sea surface height observation and high‐resolution ocean reanalysis data. The results show that the EKE has a remarkable interannual variability and it is negatively leading correlated with the change in the Kuroshio latitudinal position at 140°E. The mechanism analysis suggests that the baroclinic instability and advection processes are responsible for the EKE interannual variability and its effect on the Kuroshio latitudinal position at 140°E. Specifically, before the high EKE level occurs, a cyclonic eddy generates at the east of Kii Peninsula in the background field. The rapid development of this eddy and its eastward movement to the LM region induce the isopycnal inclinations there and the associated horizontal density gradient, which leads to the strong baroclinic instability and promotes the evolution of the eddy field and the formation of the high EKE level. The developed strong eddies, especially the cyclonic eddies, move downstream to 140°E, which pushes the Kuroshio off the shore and causes the southerly Kuroshio latitudinal position at 140°E. On the contrary, when the cyclonic eddies do not appear in the LM region, the isopycnals are relatively flat, which is not conducive to the generation of baroclinic instability. Consequently, the EKE level is low and only weak eddies are advected to 140°E, which does not substantially shift the Kuroshio southward and thus results in the northerly Kuroshio position.

Meridional Eddy Heat Transport Variability in the Surface Mixed Layer of the Atlantic Ocean

AbstractWe analyze the interannual variability and trends of the eddy heat transport (EHT) in the surface mixed layer of the Atlantic Ocean from covariances of sea surface temperature (SST) and geostrophic velocities from satellite observations between 1993 and 2018. The EHT is largest along the path of the Gulf Stream in the Northern Hemisphere and the vicinity of the Agulhas Retroflection and Argentine basin in the Southern Hemisphere. On average, meridional EHT in the mixed layer leads to a divergence of heat away from the subtropics in both hemispheres toward the equator and higher latitudes. Depending on latitude, the divergence of the EHT accounts for around 1%–5% of the atmospheric net surface heat flux, but reaches as much as 20% for certain regions. The EHT can be linked to eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and meridional SST gradients using mixing length hypothesis, but the variability of EKE and SST gradients are not enough to capture local EHT variability. For different latitudes, the EHT shows different behavior over time, with a strong increase in northward EHT in the Gulf Stream region, and a decadal oscillation of poleward EHT in the tropical and subtropical regions. This oscillation on larger scales is highly correlated with spatially averaged EKE and the large‐scale SST gradients. A comparison with climate indices indicates a relation to Atlantic climate variability, especially the meridional modes of the Tropical Atlantic Variability and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).

Dynamics of Interannual Eddy Kinetic Energy Modulations in a Western Boundary Current

AbstractAmong Western Boundary Currents, the East Australian Current (EAC) has a more energetic eddy field relative to its mean flow, however, the relationship between upstream transport and downstream eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is still unclear. We investigate the modulation of downstream EKE in the EAC's typical separation region (Tasman EKE Box) (33.S–36.S) based on a long‐term (22‐year), high‐resolution (2.5–6 km) model simulation and satellite altimeter observations from 1994 to 2016. Our results show that the poleward EAC transport at S leads the EKE in the Tasman EKE Box by 93–118 days. Barotropic instabilities are the primary source of EKE, and they control EKE variability in the EAC system. Anticyclonic eddies shed from the EAC dominate from S–S during high‐EKE periods, but in low‐EKE periods anticyclonic eddies penetrate even further south by .