Fractal drifter trajectories in the Kuroshio extension

摘要: We study the fractal and scaling properties of Lagrangian trajectories three satellite-tracked, freely drifting buoys (drifters) placed in Kuroshio extension region during 1977. Over a period about one year, drifters, whose positions followed approximately motions fluid parcels near-surface layer, traveled almost entire width Pacific Ocean. During this time, drifters what may be described as highly erratic paths, while on average being advected eastward zonal flow. Here we apply four different data analysis methods, based mathematics fractals, to drifter paths. find that for space scales extending from at least 20 150 km time 1.5 days 1 week, each displays behavior with dimension 1.3. The multifractal nature is also explored. implication these results mesoscale Extension exhibit range normally attributed geophysical dynamical turbulence. These evidently provide first experimental evidence parcel large-scale ocean flows can behavior. A relation between observed value power spectrum typical position coordinate exploited. finally discuss some possible physical implications flows. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1989.tb00392.x