Mesoscale to Submesoscale Transition in the California Current System. Part I: Flow Structure, Eddy Flux, and Observational Tests
Planetary Science Institute · University of California, Los Angeles
Abstract
Abstract In computational simulations of an idealized subtropical eastern boundary upwelling current system, similar to the California Current, a submesoscale transition occurs in the eddy variability as the horizontal grid scale is reduced to O(1) km. This first paper (in a series of three) describes the transition in terms of the emergent flow structure and the associated time-averaged eddy fluxes. In addition to the mesoscale eddies that arise from a primary instability of the alongshore, wind-driven currents, significant energy is transferred into submesoscale fronts and vortices in the upper ocean. The submesoscale arises through surface frontogenesis growing off upwelled cold filaments that are pulled…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 27.88
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 50
Authors
4- XCXavier CapetCorresponding
Planetary Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
- JCJ. C. McWilliams
Planetary Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
- MJM. Jeroen Molemaker
Planetary Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
- AFAlexander F. Shchepetkin
Planetary Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
Topics & keywords
- Mesoscale meteorology
- Geology
- Pycnocline
- Frontogenesis
- Eddy
- Potential vorticity
- Boundary current
- Rossby number
- Life below water