Eddy development and motion in the Caribbean Sea

摘要: Eddy motion in the Caribbean Sea is described on basis of sea level anomalies deduced from ERS-1 altimetry data corrected with TOPEX/Poseidon during 15 months Exact Repeat Mission (October 1992 to December 1993). Both cyclones and anticyclones were observed satellite as originating Venezuelan Basin or entering through Antillean passages, mainly St. Lucia Channel, Anegada Passage, north Trinidad. The diameter eddies ranged a few tens kilometers 700 km. Advection speeds typically 20–30 cm s−1 energetic (kinetic energy > 0.6 m2 s−2). Their lifetime 3–4 was determined, general, by their interaction topography. Most eddy activity eroded disappeared at Central American Rise area, although crossed into Cayman Chibcha Channel. Some also entered outside Windward Passage. Panama-Colombia Gyre evident only tropical rainy season. A large cyclonic formed there period maximum precipitation, when strong meridional salinity wind speed gradients occurred. production central appears be associated meandering Current curl.