ABSTRACT Eddies assume a pivotal role in both the oceanic heat cycle and marine dynamic processes. The development of real-time satellite observations, coupled with advancements in computer intelligence, has propelled automatic eddy detection algorithms to the forefront of ocean remote sensing research. Nevertheless, target omissions and accuracy degradations are inevitable for multiple detection algorithms due to strong morphological variations in ocean eddies. This paper proposes an automatic detection algorithm based on the quadrant angle of the velocity vector in the flow field. Firstly, a rectangular search box is established, and the corresponding quadrant angles at the four vertices are calculated. Secondly, the centres and types of eddies are determined according to the cumulative sum and variety rules of quadrant angles. Then the outermost boundary is identified by regularity of quadrant angles in eight directions expanding outward from the centre of the eddy using the stream function equation. The new algorithm is assessed and verified using geostrophic flow data derived from the CMEMS standard gridded sea level anomaly product. Furthermore, its detection capabilities are demonstrated through a comparative analysis with several other algorithms. All methods exhibit consistent efficacy in detecting the majority of eddies with similar spatial distributions. In cases where the new algorithm identifies a specific eddy not detected by the FF15 and ND10 algorithms, sea surface temperature data is employed for verification. The sea surface temperature distribution map, along with the obtained results, illustrates the superiority of the new algorithm and its adaptability to products with varying resolutions. Additionally, the results undergo verification through a manual detection method, revealing that the new algorithm achieves SDR of 91.73% and an EDR of 3.54%. This percentage significantly surpasses the lower acceptable limit of 80% for the SDR parameter. The new algorithm is applied to study eddies with lifetimes exceeding ten days, spanning from March 2022 to February 2023, within the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The radius of SCS eddies is generally larger than that of ECS eddies, both cyclonic and anticyclonic. This further confirms the significant influence of regional ocean dynamics on the structure of eddies in different regions. Finally, the algorithm is applied to SWOT data to test the adaptability of the algorithm to non-regular grid data. The results show that the algorithm can effectively analyse SWOT data within 60° latitudes.
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