The Kuroshio Extension System: Its Large-Scale Variability and Role in the Midlatitude Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction

摘要: The Kuroshio Extension and its recirculation gyre form an interconnected dynamic system. system is located at a crossroads where the meso-scale large-scale oceanic variability are highest, ocean-atmosphere interaction most active in Pacific Ocean outside of tropics. Following brief review mean flow eddy variability, this study describes detail structural change (an oscillation between elongated contracted state) observed Causes for explored next, it argued that basin-wide external wind forcing nonlinear dynamics associated with inertial both important factors. Data analysis results reviewed presented, emphasizing surface not simply well-mixed layer passively responding to heat flux anomalies imposed by atmosphere. It changes influence ocean balance generate wintertime sea temperature (SST) through horizontal geostrophic advection re-emergence mixed sequestered mode water anomalies.