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

Detailed Reference Information
Pezzi et al. 2005
Pezzi, L.P., Souza, R.B., Dourado, M.S., Garcia, C.A.E., Mata, M.M. and Silva-Dias, M.A.F. (2005). Ocean-atmosphere in situ observations at the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence region. Geophysical Research Letters 32: doi: 10.1029/2005GL023866. issn: 0094-8276.

This paper presents a description of marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) and oceanic boundary layer (OBL) interactions at the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence. Although this region is known as one of the most energetic zones of the World Ocean, very few studies have addressed the mechanisms of OA interaction there. Based upon novel, direct in situ simultaneous OA observations, our results show that the OBL-MABL exchanges are closely correlated with the sea surface temperature (SST) field. The heat fluxes range from 110 W.m-2 over warm waters down to 18 W.m-2 over cold waters. Higher heat fluxes and air-sea temperature differences are associated with stronger near-surface winds. This suggests that the MABL is modulated at the synoptic temporal and spatial scale by the strong surface thermal gradients between the (warm) Brazil and the (cold) Malvinas (Falklands) currents.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Air/sea interactions (0312, 3339), Oceanography, Physical, Eddies and mesoscale processes, Oceanography, Physical, Fronts and jets, Oceanography, Physical, Upper ocean and mixed layer processes, Oceanography, General, Marine meteorology
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
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