EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Maximenko & Yamagata 1995
Maximenko, N. and Yamagata, T. (1995). Submesoscale anomalies in the North Pacific Subarctic Front. Journal of Geophysical Research 100: doi: 10.1029/95JC01565. issn: 0148-0227.

Data analysis of the experiment ''Megapolygon-87'', targeted at large-scale and mesoscale currents, revealed a submesoscale coherent eddy with a core of anomalously cold water south of the North Pacific Subarctic Front (SF). TS characteristics of the core water are similiar to the ones of the Subarctic water mass north of SE. The core occupies a depth range from 950 through at least 1500 m and has an outer diamter of 40 km. The maximum value of thermal anomaly of -0.5¿C ius located at 1000 m depth. Anticyclonic orbital velocity reaches 30 cm/s at 10-km radius at the edge of the internal core, nearly as a solid body. The 7 cm/s translating eddy is governed by the larger-scale currents. Significant seawater density anomalies above the lens are explained by the interaction of the lens with a mean horizontal flow with strong vertical shear. The lens was probably formed either by upper layer cooling during the previous winter-spring season, able to generate deep convection processes and move surface water to the middle and lower part of the main thermocline, or by instability of the countercurrent existing below SF. No direct observations of those processes in the northwestern Pacific are available at present. Other similiar submesocale anomalies have been found in the area south of SF. ¿American Geophysical Union 1995

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Fronts and jets, Oceanography, Physical, Coriolis effects, Oceanography, Physical, Eddies and mesoscale processes
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit