Low Eddy Kinetic Energy Research Articles

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.

Where and How the East Madagascar Current Retroflection Originates?

AbstractThe East Madagascar Current (EMC) is one of the western boundary currents of the South Indian Ocean. As such, it plays an important role in the climate system by transporting water and heat toward the pole and recirculating to the large‐scale Indian Ocean through retroflection modes of its southern extension. Five cruise data sets and remote sensing data from different sensors are used to identify three states of the southern extension of the EMC: early retroflection, canonical retroflection, and no retroflection. Retroflections occur 47% of the time. EMC strength regulates the retroflection state, although impinged mesoscale eddies also contribute to retroflection formation. Early retroflection is linked with EMC volume transport. Anticyclonic eddies drifting from the central Indian Ocean to the coast favor early retroflection formation, anticyclonic eddies near the southern tip of Madagascar promote the generation of canonical retroflection, and no retroflection appears to be associated with a lower eddy kinetic energy (EKE). Knowledge of the EMC retroflection state could help predict (a) coastal upwelling south of Madagascar, (b) the southeastern Madagascar phytoplankton bloom, and (c) the formation of the South Indian Ocean Counter Current (SICC).

Seasonal Distribution of Tuna and Non-tuna Species Associated With Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (DFADs) in the Western Indian Ocean Using Fishery-Independent Data

Man-made floating objects in the surface of tropical oceans, also called drifting fish aggregating devices (DFADs), attract tens of marine species, including tunas and non-tuna species. In the Indian Ocean, around 80% of the sets currently made by the EU purse-seine fleet are on DFADs. Due to the importance and value of this fishery, understanding the habitat characteristics and dynamics of pelagic species aggregated under DFADs is key to improve fishery management and fishing practices. This study implements Bayesian hierarchical spatial models to investigate tuna and non-tuna species seasonal distribution, based on fisheries-independent data derived from fishers’ echo-sounder buoys, environmental information (Sea Surface Temperature, Chlorophyll, Salinity, Eddie Kinetic Energy, Oxygen concentration, Sea Surface Height, Velocity and Heading) and DFAD variables (DFAD identification, days at sea). Results highlighted group-specific spatial distributions and habitat preferences, finding higher probability of tuna presence in warmer waters, with higher sea surface height and low eddy kinetic energy values. In contrast, highest probabilities of non-tuna species were found in colder and productive waters. Days at sea were relevant for both groups, with higher probabilities at objects with higher soak time. Our results also showed species-specific temporal distributions, suggesting that both tuna and non-tuna species may have different habitat preferences depending on the monsoon period. The new findings provided by this study will contribute to the understanding of the ecology and behavior of target and non-target species and their sustainable management.

Detection and tracking of mesoscale eddies in the Mediterranean Sea: A comparison between the Sea Level Anomaly and the Absolute Dynamic Topography fields

Mediterranean Sea eddies are often generated in fixed geographical locations linked to either bathymetric fluctuations, coastline changes, instabilities around islands, or orographic wind forcing. Because of that, the mean circulation exhibits features with the same special scales as the mesoscale field. We provide here a first comparison of eddies detected and tracked using two altimetry products, the Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) and the Absolute Dynamic Topography (ADT), from 2000 to 2015. We showed that more individual eddies and trajectories are detected in the SLA data than in the ADT, having larger radius but lower Eddy Kinetic Energy. The spatial distribution of the mesoscale activity is different between the two data sets: the ADT-detected eddies closely follow the Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) patterns which include the mean eddy generation sites whereas the SLA-detected eddies show more spatial homogeneity. The larger eddies are generally well detected in both the ADT or the SLA fields, but the numerous smaller and coastal eddies detected in the SLA fields have a tendency to mismatch the ADT detected eddies. Only 20–30% of eddies are detected exclusively in the SLA or the ADT product (i.e. have no collocation in the other field), whereas to 65–80% of the eddies are detected both in the SLA and the ADT fields. The Ierapetra Eddy is a typical example of the limitation of the SLA-detected eddies, as this orographically controlled feature is present in the MDT and thus leads to an artificial cyclonic eddy in the SLA field that shifts around its most frequent position. This study recommends the use of ADT fields for the detection of mesoscale structures in the Mediterranean Sea where the mean circulation and these mesoscale features have the same spatial scale and intensity, and similarly for any other ocean regions where the MDT contains mesoscale patterns. Yet the ADT fields depend on the accuracy of the MDT, and the altimeter-based SLA fields may be preferable in specific locations where the MDT is not reliable.

Lagrangian pathways in the southern Benguela upwelling system

The effect of ocean currents on fish eggs and larvae during their journey from spawning to nursery grounds in the Southern Benguela upwelling system is poorly understood. The survival and successful transport of fish eggs and larvae results from complex biological and physical processes. This study focuses on the advective processes, more specifically on how the dynamics and characteristics of the ocean currents shape the Lagrangian pathways in the Southern Benguela. A mesoscale eddy resolving interannual (1989–2010) simulation of the region, with a horizontal resolution of 7.5 km, is used to study processes impacting the connectivity between the western edge of the Agulhas Bank and the west coast upwelling region. A set of Lagrangian experiments are conducted with particles being released within the top 100 m of the water column along an across-shore transect off Cape Point (34∘ S). Transport success is given by the ratio of the number of particles that reach St Helena Bay (32∘ S) over the total number of particles released. The model results show a strong seasonal cycle in transport success which is governed by the complex three-dimensional structure of the along-shore jets, their variability, together with the wind-induced Ekman drift. Transport success is most efficient in spring when the Benguela Jet consists of one coherent intensified single-core branch that flows over the 300 m isobath, and when wind-induced Ekman transport favours the retention of particles within the jet. At this time of the year, the pathway leading to successful transport is located inshore, with 90% of particles released inshore the 300 m isobath being successfully transported to St Helena Bay in <15 days. This pathway is also characterized by low eddy kinetic energy values. During the upwelling season (December–March), transport success becomes less efficient, and less sensitive to the initial across-shore position of the particles. The inshore route no longer dominates, as the majority of particles follow offshore pathways. The Benguela Jet shifts offshore and splits into several branches due to the shoaling of the poleward undercurrent. The entrainment of particles within the offshore branch of the jet is favored by the dominating offshore wind-induced Ekman transport. Particles trapped in the offshore branch get exposed to higher mesoscale variability. Their northward progression is slower, which leads to journeys generally exceeding 20 days. This study shows that successful transport from the Agulhas Bank to the west coast upwelling region cannot be attributed to only a simple wind induced modulation of the jet. It explores how the seasonal modulation of the Benguela Jet, poleward undercurrent and offshore Ekman transport combine together with the turbulent off-shelf eddy field to set-up the characteristics of transport success.

The Role of Ekman Currents, Geostrophy, and Stokes Drift in the Accumulation of Floating Microplastic.

Floating microplastic in the oceans is known to accumulate in the subtropical ocean gyres, but unclear is still what causes that accumulation. We investigate the role of various physical processes, such as surface Ekman and geostrophic currents, surface Stokes drift, and mesoscale eddy activity, on the global surface distribution of floating microplastic with Lagrangian particle tracking using GlobCurrent and WaveWatch III reanalysis products. Globally, the locations of microplastic accumulation (accumulation zones) are largely determined by the Ekman currents. Simulations of the North Pacific and North Atlantic show that the locations of the modeled accumulation zones using GlobCurrent Total (Ekman+Geostrophic) currents generally agree with observed microplastic distributions in the North Pacific and with the zonal distribution in the North Atlantic. Geostrophic currents and Stokes drift do not contribute to large‐scale microplastic accumulation in the subtropics, but Stokes drift leads to increased microplastic transport to Arctic regions. Since the WaveWatch III Stokes drift and GlobCurrent Ekman current data sets are not independent, combining Stokes drift with the other current components leads to an overestimation of Stokes drift effects and there is therefore a need for independent measurements of the different ocean circulation components. We investigate whether windage would be appropriate as a proxy for Stokes drift but find discrepancies in the modeled direction and magnitude. In the North Pacific, we find that microplastic tends to accumulate in regions of relatively low eddy kinetic energy, indicating low mesoscale eddy activity, but we do not see similar trends in the North Atlantic.

How biophysical interactions associated with sub- and mesoscale structures and migration behavior affect planktonic larvae of the spiny lobster in the Juan Fernández Ridge: A modeling approach

The Juan Fernández Ridge (JFR) is a chain of topographical elevations in the eastern South Pacific (∼33–35°S, 76–81.5°W). Rich in endemic marine species, this ridge is frequently affected by the arrival of mesoscale eddies originating in the coastal upwelling zone off central-southern Chile. The impacts of these interactions on the structure and dynamics of the JFR pelagic system have, however, not been addressed yet. The present model-based study is focused on the coupled influence of mesoscale-submesoscale processes and biological behavior (i.e., diel vertical migration) on the horizontal distribution of planktonic larvae of the spiny lobster (Jasus frontalis) around the JFR waters. Two case studies were selected from a hydrodynamic Regional Ocean Modeling System to characterize mesoscale and submesoscale structures and an Individual-based model (IBM) to simulate diel vertical migration (DVM) and its impact on the horizontal distribution and the patchiness level. DVM behavior of these larvae has not been clearly characterized, therefore, three types of vertical mechanisms were assessed on the IBM: (1) no migration (LG), (2) a short migration (0–50 m depth, DVM1), and (3) a long migration (10–200 m depth, DVM2). The influence of physical properties (eddy kinetic energy, stretching deformation and divergence) on larval aggregation within meso and submesoscale features was quantified. The patchiness index assessed for mesoscale and submesoscale structures showed higher values in the mesoscale than in the submesoscale. However, submesoscale structures revealed a higher accumulation of particles by unit of area. Both vertical migration mechanisms produced larger patchiness indices compared to the no migration experiment. DVM2 was the one that showed by far the largest aggregation of almost all the aggregation zones. Larval concentrations were highest in the submesoscale structures; these zones were characterized by low eddy kinetic energy, negative stretching deformation, and slight convergence. Stretching deformation flow appeared to be triggered by the eddy-eddy interactions and the Robinson Island barrier effect, and it likely promotes the aggregation of the spiny lobster larvae in the Juan Fernández system. These results highlighted the importance of the coupled effect of physical (mesoscale and submesoscale oceanographic features) and biological processes (DVM) in the generation of larval patchiness and concentration of spiny lobster larvae around the JFR, which could be key for their survival and retention in those waters.

Expanding the conceptual framework of the spatial population structure and life history of jack mackerel in the eastern South Pacific: an oceanic seamount region as potential spawning/nursery habitat

AbstractJuvenile jack mackerel were found in 2009 in the Challenger break and the East Pacific ridge (CHAEPR). This seamount region is ∼3500 km from the coastal historic jack mackerel nursery grounds off Chile (north of 30°S). We reviewed historic evidence of juveniles around this seamount and data on several local environmental conditions: sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a, wind, turbulence levels, and Eddy kinetic energy (EKE). A Lagrangian model for the early life stages of jack mackerel in the eastern South Pacific was used to assess the potential of the seamount region as a permanent nursery ground. Transport/retention mechanisms were assessed by releasing virtual particles coupled to a growth model into the flow simulated by an eddy-resolving ocean model. Model simulations showed high inter-annual variability for particle retention in the seamount region; high retention levels were associated with low EKE such that the particles were retained for several months. Satellite altimetry has shown a local minimum in eddy activity in the region where the juveniles were observed; this minimum was consistent with the above temporal relationship. The inclusion of the CHAEPR oceanic seamount region as a potential nursery ground for jack mackerel expands the current conceptual framework for the spatial population structure of this species in the South Pacific off central Chile proposed by Arcos et al. (The jack mackerel fishery and El Niño 1997–98 effects off Chile. Progress in Oceanography 49: 597–617, 2001). Finally, we discuss the relevance of seamounts playing a double role (spawning and nursery grounds) from the standpoint of conservation and biodiversity.

Coherent mesoscale eddies in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre: 3‐D structure and transport with application to the salinity maximum

AbstractThe mean vertical structure and transport properties of mesoscale eddies are investigated in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre by combining historical records of Argo temperature/salinity profiles and satellite sea level anomaly data in the framework of the eddy tracking technique. The study area is characterized by a low eddy kinetic energy and sea surface salinity maximum. Although eddies have a relatively weak signal at surface (amplitudes around 3–7 cm), the eddy composites reveal a clear deep signal that penetrates down to at least 1200 m depth. The analysis also reveals that the vertical structure of the eddy composites is strongly affected by the background stratification. The horizontal patterns of temperature/salinity anomalies can be reconstructed by a linear combination of a monopole, related to the elevation/depression of the isopycnals in the eddy core, and a dipole, associated with the horizontal advection of the background gradient by the eddy rotation. A common feature of all the eddy composites reconstructed is the phase coherence between the eddy temperature/salinity and velocity anomalies in the upper m layer, resulting in the transient eddy transports of heat and salt. As an application, a box model of the near‐surface layer is used to estimate the role of mesoscale eddies in maintaining a quasi‐steady state distribution of salinity in the North Atlantic subtropical salinity maximum. The results show that mesoscale eddies are able to provide between 4 and 21% of the salt flux out of the area required to compensate for the local excess of evaporation over precipitation.

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

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.

Influence of the Decadal Variability of the Kuroshio Extension on the Atmospheric Circulation in the Cold Season

Abstract The atmospheric response to the Kuroshio Extension (KE) variability during 1979–2012 is investigated using a KE index derived from sea surface height measurements and an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model hindcast. When the index is positive, the KE is in the stable state, strengthened and shifted northward, with lower eddy kinetic energy, and the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region is anomalously warm. The reverse holds when the index is negative. Regression analysis shows that there is a coherent atmospheric response to the decadal KE fluctuations between October and January. The KOE warming generates an upward surface heat flux that leads to local ascending motions and a northeastward shift of the zones of maximum baroclinicity, eddy heat and moisture fluxes, and the storm track. The atmospheric response consists of an equivalent barotropic large-scale signal, with a downstream high and a low over the Arctic. The heating and transient eddy anomalies excite stationary Rossby waves that propagate the signal poleward and eastward. There is a warming typically exceeding 0.6 K at 900 hPa over eastern Asia and western United States, which reduces the snow cover by 4%–6%. One month later, in November–February, a high appears over northwestern Europe, and the hemispheric teleconnection bears some similarity with the Arctic Oscillation. Composite analysis shows that the atmospheric response primarily occurs during the stable state of the KE, while no evidence of a significant large-scale atmospheric response is found in the unstable state. Arguments are given to explain this strong asymmetry.

Propagating waves and their influence on eddy field variability in the northeastern Arabian Sea and northern Bay of Bengal

Theoretical modelling and observational studies confirmed the presence of planetary scale Kelvin and Rossby waves and their effect on circulation in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This study focuses on the role of propagating waves on eddy field variability. Analysis of geostrophic currents derived from 18 years of altimeter data revealed a large variability in the intensity and the number of eddies between boxes of the same area (8° × 10° above 12° N) in the northeastern Arabian Sea (NEAS) and the northern Bay of Bengal (NBoB). In the NEAS, eddy kinetic energy levels are low (50–250 cm2 s–2) when compared with NBoB (200–800 cm2 s–2) for a selected box of the same size. The number of eddies in the NEAS is 434, which is fewer than in the NBoB (452), for a span of 18 years in the representative boxes. The amplitudes and speeds of both cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies are very low in the NEAS compared with those in the NBoB. The estimated input wind energy is of same order in these regions. The lower eddy kinetic energy in the NEAS compared with the NBoB is attributed to the variability of coastally trapped Kelvin waves and radiated Rossby waves. Of two upwelling and two downwelling coastally trapped Kelvin waves on an annual cycle, only one downwelling Kelvin wave reached the west coast of India during December and January. Inter-annual variability of these waves also significantly connects to eddy kinetic energy variability.

Front variability and surface ocean features of the presumed southern bluefin tuna spawning grounds in the tropical southeast Indian Ocean

The southern bluefin tuna (SBT, Thunnus maccoyii) is an ecologically and economically valuable fish. However, surprisingly little is known about its critical early life history, a period when mortality is several orders of magnitude higher than at any other life stage, and when larvae are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Ocean fronts can be important in creating favourable spawning conditions, as they are a convergence of water masses with different properties that can concentrate planktonic particles and lead to enhanced productivity. In this study, we examine the front activity within the only region where SBT have been observed to spawn: the tropical southeast Indian Ocean between Indonesia and Australia (10°S–20°S, 105°E–125°E). We investigate front activity and its relationship to ocean dynamics and surface features of the region. Results are also presented for the entire Indian Ocean (30°N–45°S, 20°E–140°E) to provide a background context. We use an extension of the Cayula and Cornillon algorithm to detect ocean fronts from satellite images of sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a concentration (chl-a). Front occurrence represents the probability of occurrence of a front at each pixel of an image. Front intensity represents the magnitude of the difference between the two water masses that make up a front. Relative to the rest of the Indian Ocean, both SST and chl-a fronts in the offshore spawning region are persistent in occurrence and weak in intensity. Front occurrence and intensity along the Australian coast are high, with persistent and intense fronts found along the northwest and west coasts. Fronts in the tropical southeast Indian Ocean are shown to have strong annual variability and some moderate interannual variability. SST front occurrence is found to lead the Southern Oscillation Index by one year, potentially linked to warming and wind anomalies in the Indian Ocean. The surface ocean characteristics of the offshore SBT spawning region are found to be particularly stable compared to the rest of the Indian Ocean in terms of stable SST, low eddy kinetic energy, i.e., low mesoscale eddy activity, and low chl-a. However, this region has high front occurrence, but low front intensity of both SST and chl-a fronts. The potential impact of these oceanic features for SBT spawning is discussed.

The Alboran Sea mesoscale in a long term high resolution simulation: Statistical analysis

We analyze the Alboran Sea mesoscale variability in a 2-decade high resolution (2km) simulation. The circulation modes and eddies are described from a statistical perspective. The double-gyre quasi-steady state is confirmed as the most common circulation mode in the Alboran Sea (48% of the time), followed by single-gyre mode in about 24% of the situations. These persistent modes are compared in terms of structure, frequency of occurrence and seasonality, energetics, and their links to inflow variability and wind forcing. The double-gyre state is the most stable situation with higher kinetic and potential energy and lower eddy kinetic energy and seems to be limited by a critical value of the Rossby radius (∼12km). The transitions between the quasi-steady states are studied and typified with a particular focus on the Western Alboran Gyre migration which stands out as the major contributor for flow transitions. A typical sequence of flow types and transients is proposed: The double-gyre is usually canceled after a migration event occurring in late summer or autumn. The Western Alboran Gyre is not immediately replaced by a new born anticyclone. Instead, there is a cycle of migration-merging events with the Eastern Alboran Gyre which eventually force the latter to move westward and form a single-gyre situation. The generation of a second Eastern Alboran Gyre in spring-early summer sets the beginning of a new double-gyre stable period. An analysis of coherent mesoscale eddies is conducted and their statistics, sites and processes of generation are described. Cyclones (anticyclones) mean radius are in the range of ∼12km (∼15km), they are much more frequent in winter time and cyclones significantly outnumber the anticyclones. The link of mesoscale processes and transients (in particular of migrations) with the inflow is analyzed, and no clear relationship of transient events with inflow magnitude is disclosed. On the other hand, the large majority of transitions (specially migrations) are associated with a clear shift of the angle and latitude of the Atlantic Jet to the south. The stratification and wind variability are also important suggesting a significant role of eddy dynamics and intrinsic variability in determining the stable modes and transitions. Despite the seasonality of the flow types sequence, there are periods of long stability with the double-gyre blocking situations resisting the winter periods. The time variability is analyzed and compared with observations.

Ciclo anual de la clorofila a satelital en el archipielago de Juan Fernandez (33 S), Chile

The spatial and temporal variability of the annual cycle of chlorophyll-a in the Juan Fernandez archipelago is analyzed through eight years of satellite data of chlorophyll-a, wind, currents and sea level. This archipelago consists of three islands: Robinson Crusoe-Santa Clara (RC-SC) and Alexander Selkirk (AS). The RC-SC islands are in a region of high eddy kinetic energy and higher concentrations of chlorophyll-a, defined as Coastal Transition Zone, whereas the AS is in a region with low eddy kinetic energy and lower concentrations of chlorophyll-a called Oceanic Zone. RC-SC has an increase in chlorophyll-a concentrations on the southwest side, while AS has its highest concentrations on the west side, indicating the presence of different forcing. On both islands the annual cycle of chlorophyll is significant and begins to increase in April, reaching relatively high values between June and November, decreasing to its lowest values in December, reaching a minimum in late March. This annual cycle does not appear related with the wind, but it appears related with the eddy kinetic energy. The increase of chlorophyll-a in winter is associated with mesoscale eddies coming from continental region, while spring increases could be associated with local processes linked to the island mass effect. On both islands, it appears a significant increase in chlorophyll-a in the annual and bi-annual bands, but only in AS was found a significant inter-annual fluctuation linked with the El Nino and the Southern Oscillation.

SSH Wavenumber Spectra in the North Pacific from a High-Resolution Realistic Simulation

Abstract Following recent studies based on altimetric data, this paper analyses the spectral characteristics of the sea surface height (SSH) using a new realistic simulation of the North Pacific Ocean with high resolution ( in the horizontal and 100 vertical levels). This simulation resolves smaller scales (down to ≈10 km) than altimetric data (limited to 70 km because of the noise level). In high eddy kinetic energy (EKE) regions (as in the western part), SSH spectral slope almost follows a k−4 (with k the wavenumber) or slightly steeper law in agreement with altimeter studies. The new result is that, unlike altimeter studies, such a k−4 slope is also observed in low EKE regions (as in the eastern part). In these regions, this slope mostly concerns scales not well resolved by altimetric data. Such k−4 SSH spectral slopes are weaker from what is expected from quasigeostrophic turbulence theory but closer to surface quasigeostrophic (SQG) turbulence theory. The consequence is that the small scales concerned by these spectral slopes, in particular in low EKE regions, may significantly affect the larger ones because of the inverse kinetic energy cascade. These results need to be confirmed using a longer numerical integration. They also need to be corroborated by high-resolution observations.

Response of a summertime anticyclonic eddy to wind forcing in Funka Bay, Hokkaido, Japan

Flow fluctuations inside an anticyclonic eddy in summertime Funka Bay were examined using three moorings and hydrographic data. The flow pattern above a sharp pycnocline with a concave isopycnal structure during the mooring period was characterized by high mean kinetic energy and relatively low eddy kinetic energy. The ratios of eddy to mean kinetic energy were equal to or less than one, and the mean flow field and isopycnal structure indicated the existence of a stable anticyclonic eddy above the sharp pycnocline under approximate geostrophic balance. Larger flow fluctuations with periods longer than 7 days were dominant inside the eddy. The low-frequency flow fluctuations are accompanied by north to northeastward movement of the eddy with deepening of the pycnocline and spin-up of the anticyclonic circulation. The wind field over Funka Bay is characterized by bay-scale wind fluctuations. The bay-scale winds are greatly influenced by the land topography around Funka Bay, resulting in non-uniform structure with significant wind stress curl. The bay-scale wind fluctuations are termed “locally modified wind” in the present study. The locally modified wind has a negative (positive) wind stress curl in the central–northeastern (southwestern) region of Funka Bay. The north to northeastward movement of the eddy is caused by horizontal non-uniform supply of vorticity from the locally modified wind forcing by the Ekman pumping process. Through this process, the anticyclonic circulation is enhanced (weakened) in the central–northeastern (southwestern) part of the eddy, resulting in the eddy moving north to northeastward with the pycnocline deepening and spin-up of the anticyclonic circulation. The locally modified wind forcing induces low-frequency flow fluctuations through the movement of the eddy in summertime Funka Bay.

Mesoscale eddies northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago from satellite altimeter observations

Enhanced mesoscale eddy activity northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago was investigated by using the high‐pass filtered satellite altimetric sea surface height (SSH) data of the past 16 years. The level of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) shows significant interannual variations, which appear well correlated to the large‐scale atmospheric wind forcing associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation index; the EKE levels in the area along the Subtropical Front zone in 1997–1998 and 2003–2005, for example, were three times as large as those in the low EKE years. Spectral analyses in the 3° latitude by 5° longitude subregions revealed the dominant mesoscale periods ranging from 90 days near 18°N to 180 days near 36°N. A 3‐layer quasi‐geostrophic model constrained by World Ocean Atlas 2005 climatologies was used to explore instability of the regional circulation. The analysis shows a geographical match between baroclinic instability strength and the observed RMS SSH variability and a temporal match between seasonally varying instability strength and the observed seasonal EKE modulation, and suggests that baroclinic instability by the vertically sheared, regional mean circulation provides the energy source for the enhanced eddy variability northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Spatial Variations of Stirring in the Surface Ocean: A Case Study of the Tasman Sea

Abstract Stirring in the Tasman Sea is examined using surface geostrophic currents derived from satellite altimeter measurements. Calculations of the distribution of finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) indicate that the stirring in this region is not uniform and stretching rates over 15 days vary from less than 0.02 day−1 to over 0.3 day−1. These variations occur at both small (∼10 km) and large (∼1000 km) scales and in both cases are linked to dynamical features of the flow. The small-scale variations are related to the characteristics of coherent vortex structures, and there are low FTLEs inside vortices and filaments of high FTLEs in strain-dominated regions surrounding these vortices. Regional variations in the stirring are closely related to variations in mesoscale activity and eddy kinetic energy (EKE). High values of mean FTLE occur in regions of high EKE (highest mean values of around 0.2 day−1 occur in the East Australia Current separation region) whereas small values occur in regions with low EKE (mean values around 0.03 day−1 in the east Tasman Sea). There is a compact relationship between the mean FTLEs and EKE, raising the possibility of using the easily calculated EKE to estimate the stirring. This possibility is even more intriguing because the FTLE distributions can be approximated, for the time scales considered here, by Weibull distributions with shape parameter equal to 1.6, which can be defined from the mean value alone.

Interannual Variability of the Altimetry-Derived Eddy Field and Surface Circulation in the Extratropical North Atlantic Ocean in 1993–2001

Abstract The distribution of surface eddy kinetic energy (EKE) depicts main oceanic surface circulation features. The interannual variability of EKE and associated geostrophic velocity anomalies in the North Atlantic Ocean were analyzed to describe the variations in oceanic currents between 1993 and 2002. The sea level anomaly maps of the combined TOPEX/Poseidon + ERS-1/2 and TOPEX/Poseidon-alone satellite altimetry data were used to derive EKE. The study focused on the areas of the Gulf Stream extension (GS), North Atlantic Current (NAC), Azores Current (AC), and the northeastern (Rockall Channel and Iceland Basin) and northwestern (Irminger Basin and Labrador Sea) North Atlantic. The interannual variability of the altimetry-derived EKE field in the GS extension area reflected the meridional displacements of the GS core described in earlier studies. The interannual change of EKE in the AC was characterized by high values in 1993–95 followed by lower EKE in subsequent years. The interannual variability of EKE in the NAC area west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge exhibited an out-of-phase change between the band centered at ∼47°N and two bands on either side centered at ∼43° and ∼50°N. In the Rockall Channel the geostrophic velocity anomalies indicated an intensified northeastward flow in 1993–95 followed by a relaxation in 1996–2000. The EKE band associated with the NAC branch in the Iceland Basin was found to be extended farther west after 1996, possibly following the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-induced shift of the subpolar front. A rise of EKE was observed in the Irminger Basin from 1995 to 1999. This rise may have been associated with large anticyclonic geostrophic velocity anomalies, which indicated significant weakening of the cyclonic circulation in the Irminger Basin after 1996, and/or with possibly intensified eddy generation mechanisms due to the NAO-induced approach of the subpolar front. The interannual change of EKE in the Labrador Sea did not appear to always follow the atmospheric forcing expressed by NAO. Therefore other eddy generation mechanisms in the Labrador Sea can be important.