Caribbean Sea eddies inferred from TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetry and a 1/6° Atlantic Ocean model simulation

摘要: Large cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies are found in the Caribbean Sea. Analysis of sea level data from TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter shows that quite regular, appearing at near 3-month intervals west southern Lesser Antilles. These progress westward average speeds 12 cm s−1, growing amplitude up to 20 cm. Many dissipate coastal waters Nicaragua a half year after they appear. A 1/6° × general circulation model Atlantic is shown reproduce major features eddy life cycle, including their amplitudes, temporal scales, propagation speed. output further suggests mainly limited thermocline above, with little phase lag vertical. The simulated have sufficiently strong currents horizontal gradient total vorticity changes sign, suggesting conversions mean kinetic energy may be contributing growth. simulation links formed outside confluence North Brazil Current Equatorial Countercurrent systems.