Premium
Retrieval of eddy dynamics from SMOS sea surface salinity measurements in the Algerian Basin (Mediterranean Sea)
Author(s) -
IsernFontanet Jordi,
Olmedo Estrella,
Turiel Antonio,
BallabreraPoy Joaquim,
GarcíaLadona Emilio
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2016gl069595
Subject(s) - eddy , satellite , climatology , sss* , mediterranean sea , geology , salinity , structural basin , sea surface temperature , oceanography , environmental science , vorticity , bay , mediterranean climate , meteorology , vortex , geography , turbulence , paleontology , mathematical optimization , mathematics , archaeology , aerospace engineering , engineering
The circulation in the Algerian Basin is characterized by the presence of fresh‐core eddies that propagate along the coast or at distances between 100 and 200 km from the coast. Enhancements in the processing of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) data have allowed to produce, for the first time, satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) maps in the Mediterranean Sea that capture the signature of Algerian eddies. SMOS data can be used to track them for long periods of time, especially during winter. SMOS SSS maps are well correlated with in situ measurements although the former has a smaller dynamical range. Despite this limitation, SMOS SSS maps capture the key dynamics of Algerian eddies allowing to retrieve velocities from SSS with the correct sign of vorticity.