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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • eddy kinetic energy
  • seasonal cycle
  • dissipation

Index Terms

  • Oceanography: Physical: Eddies and mesoscale processes
  • Oceanography: Physical: Western boundary currents
  • Oceanography: Physical: Air/sea interactions

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 35, L24609, 6 PP., 2008
doi:10.1029/2008GL036412

On the seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the Gulf Stream region

Xiaoming Zhai

IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany

Richard J. Greatbatch

IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany

Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Jan-Dirk Kohlmann

IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany

In the Gulf Stream region, eddy kinetic energy (EKE) peaks in summer while, as measured by the baroclinic eddy growth time scale, the ocean is most baroclinically unstable in late winter. We argue that the seasonally-varying Ekman pumping is unlikely to be responsible for the seasonal variation in growth time, and that the summer peak in EKE results from a reduction in dissipation in summer compared to winter.

Received 22 October 2008; accepted 25 November 2008; published 31 December 2008.

Citation: Zhai, X., R. J. Greatbatch, and J.-D. Kohlmann (2008), On the seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy in the Gulf Stream region, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L24609, doi:10.1029/2008GL036412.

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