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Seasonality of submesoscale dynamics in the Kuroshio Extension
Author(s) -
Rocha Cesar B.,
Gille Sarah T.,
Chereskin Teresa K.,
Menemenlis Dimitris
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 - 10.1002/2016gl071349
Subject(s) - geostrophic wind , geology , climatology , stratification (seeds) , seasonality , mixed layer , oceanography , internal wave , turbulence , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , geography , seed dormancy , botany , germination , dormancy , biology , statistics , mathematics
Recent studies show that the vigorous seasonal cycle of the mixed layer modulates upper ocean submesoscale turbulence. Here we provide model‐based evidence that the seasonally changing upper ocean stratification in the Kuroshio Extension also modulates submesoscale (here 10–100 km) inertia‐gravity waves. Summertime restratification weakens submesoscale turbulence but enhances inertia‐gravity waves near the surface. Thus, submesoscale turbulence and inertia‐gravity waves undergo vigorous out‐of‐phase seasonal cycles. These results imply a strong seasonal modulation of the accuracy of geostrophic velocity diagnosed from submesoscale sea surface height delivered by the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite mission.