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Behavior of the Wyrtki Jet observed with surface drifting buoys and satellite altimeter
Author(s) -
Qiu Yun,
Li Li,
Yu Weidong
Publication year - 2009
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 - 10.1029/2009gl039120
Subject(s) - equator , altimeter , geology , climatology , jet (fluid) , satellite , sea surface height , latitude , geodesy , physics , astronomy , thermodynamics
Analyses of up‐to‐date data from satellite‐tracked surface drifters indicate that the Wyrtki Jets (WJ) of the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) are developed firstly in the central EIO between 75°E and 80°E and then propagate westward along the equator at speeds of about 0.7 m s −1 . Climatologically, the fall jet is both stronger and wider than its spring counterpart. This westward propagation phenomenon is supported by altimetry observation. It is suggested that the westward propagation of the jets in the western EIO (55°–75°E) is primarily forced directly by the westward propagating zonal winds. Whereas in the eastern EIO (east to 80°E), propagation of the jet signals is ambiguous although the zonal wind pattern is observed moving east. It is also evident that the WJs are subject to strong interannual variability, which may associate with El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).