Sea surface salinity variability in the Agulhas Current region inferred from SMOS and Aquarius

摘要: Abstract Understanding of the Agulhas Current's unique retroflection and ring shedding has been greatly improved by satellite altimetry data over last several decades, but salinity remote sensing technology not available to conduct similar studies with respect regional sea surface (SSS) variability. ESA's Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D missions can provide such data, it remains unclear if accuracy these sensors is high enough properly study this dynamic region. To address issue, validates both SMOS Aquarius against monthly in situ from Argo floats. All available, corresponding points a three year period have root mean square differences less than 0.2 pss correlation coefficients greater 0.9. Additionally, 80% between products fall ± 0.5 pss. Surface salt transports were calculated see how well estimate SSS advection Zonal meridional annual maxima austral winter minima summer, although seasonal range small. Using Argo, SMOS, for calculation produces statistically identical results, suggesting utility using satellites monitor at higher frequencies horizontal resolutions previously possible only sparse data. gradients along subtropical front reveal that are much more effective tools observing small-scale structure prevalent meandering Return Current. Finally, we conclude when compared floats observations accurate may yet prove powerful processes on smaller time spatial scales.