Eddies originating at the South-West Indian Ridge
In: Journal of Marine Systems. Elsevier: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; Amsterdam. ISSN 0924-7963; e-ISSN 1879-1573, more
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| Keywords |
Altimetry > Satellite altimetry
Anomalies
Motion > Cyclonic motion
Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation > Ocean circulation > Oceanic eddies
Topographic features > Submarine features > Fracture zones
Turbulence > Oceanic turbulence
PS, Antarctic Bottom Water [Marine Regions]; PS, Antarctic Circumpolar Current [Marine Regions]; PS, Southern Ocean [Marine Regions]; PSW, South Africa, Prince Edward I. [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
oceanic variability; Southern Ocean; South-West Indian Ridge; eddies;TOPEX/ERS altimetry |
| Authors | | Top |
- Ansorge, I.J.
- Lutjeharms, J.R.E.
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| Abstract |
The mesoscale variability of flow in the Southern Ocean is markedly intensified along the Subtropical Convergence as well as at a small number of distinct spots, the latter seemingly related to shallower parts of the bottom topography. A very prominent example of such a spot corresponds with the location where the core of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current crosses the South-West Indian Ridge. The variability in this particular spot consists of well-developed positive as well as negative anomalies in sea surface height that may represent anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies. Based on satellite altimetry, it is shown that these flow anomalies exhibit specific trajectories beyond their generation region at the South-West Indian Ridge, one of which takes them past the Prince Edward Islands. Using extensive hydrographic observations, we describe the dimensions and T/S characteristics of some of the features identified in the altimetry that have passed these islands. In this way, we successfully verify that they are indeed eddies, thus providing evidence that the fracture zone in the South-West Indian Ridge is a source of eddies for the downstream region. |
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