In this study, uncoupled and coupled ocean-atmosphere simulations are carried out over the 5 California Upwelling System to assess the dynamic ocean-atmosphere interactions, viz.,the 6 ocean surface current feedback to the atmosphere. We show the current feedback, by mod-7 ulating the energy transfer from the atmosphere to the ocean, controls the oceanic Eddy 8 Kinetic Energy (EKE), and for the first time, we demonstrate the current feedback has an 9 opposite effect on the surface stress and on the wind itself. The current feedback acts as 10 an oceanic eddy killer, reducing by half the Surface EKE, and by 27% the depth-integrated
[1] We investigate the tropical Atlantic vertical structure variability (1981)(1982)(1983)(1984)(1985)(1986)(1987)(1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000) based on the CLIPPER ocean general circulation model (OGCM). We aim at determining to what extent the observed interannual variability can be explained by the low-frequency wave dynamics. The linear vertical modes of the OGCM climatological stratification are estimated along the equator. The baroclinic mode contributions to surface zonal current and sea level anomalies are calculated and analyzed at interannual timescales. The second baroclinic mode is the most energetic. The first (third) mode exhibits a variability peak in the west (east). The summed-up contribution of the high-order baroclinic modes (4-6) is as energetic as the gravest modes and is largest in the east. Wave components are then derived by projection onto the associated meridional structures. The effect of longitudinal boundaries near the equator is taken into consideration. Equatorial Kelvin and Rossby waves propagations, with phases speed close to the theory, are identified for the first three baroclinic modes. The comparison with a multimode linear simulation corroborates the propagating properties of the OGCM waves coefficients. An estimation of the meridional boundary reflection efficiency indicates that wave reflections take place at both boundaries. A 65% reflection efficiency is found at the eastern boundary. Our study suggests that low-frequency wave dynamics is to a large extent at work in the tropical Atlantic. On the basis of what is known on the Pacific El Niño-Southern Oscillation mode this may provide a guidance for investigating ocean-atmosphere mechanisms that can lead to the Atlantic zonal equatorial mode.
INDEX TERMS: 4231
[1] The freshest surface waters in the tropical Pacific are found at its eastern boundary. Using in situ observations, we depict the quasi-permanent presence of a far eastern Pacific fresh pool with sea surface salinity (SSS) lower than 33, which is confined between Panama's west coast and 85 W in December and extends westward to 95 W in April. Strong SSS fronts are found at the outer edge of this fresh pool. We investigate the seasonal dynamics of the fresh pool using complementary satellite wind, rain, sea level and in situ oceanic current data at the surface, along with hydrographic profiles. The fresh pool appears off Panama due to the strong summer rains associated with the northward migration of the ITCZ over Central America in June. During the second half of the year, the eastward-flowing North Equatorial Counter-Current keeps it trapped to the coast and strengthens the SSS front on its western edge. During winter, as the ITCZ moves southward, the northeasterly Panama gap wind creates a southwestward jet-like current in its path with a dipole of Ekman pumping/eddies on its flanks. As a result, upwelling in the Panama Bight brings to the surface cold and salty waters which erode the fresh pool on its eastern side while both the jet current and the enhanced South Equatorial Current stretch the fresh pool westward until it nearly disappears in May. New SMOS satellite SSS data proves able to capture the main seasonal features of the fresh pool and monitor its spatial extent.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.