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A Census of Eddies in the Tropical Eastern Boundary of the Indian Ocean
Author(s) -
Azis Ismail M. F.,
Ribbe J.,
Arifin T.,
Taofiqurohman A.,
Anggoro D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: oceans
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9291
pISSN - 2169-9275
DOI - 10.1029/2021jc017204
Subject(s) - eddy , throughflow , climatology , anticyclone , oceanography , boundary current , geology , water mass , argo , ocean current , geography , meteorology , soil science , turbulence
The Indo‐Australian Basin (IAB) constitutes a crucial water route for the global ocean's circulation between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Locally generated eddies contribute to the continued westward transport of water away from the IAB. In this paper, results from the first comprehensive regional ocean eddy census are discussed. A hybrid eddy census and tracking algorithm is used to analyze satellite altimetry data from 1993 to 2018. A total of 2,792 eddies were identified and tracked. Cyclonic eddies and anticyclonic eddies exhibit geographical segregation in terms of their dynamic characteristics. Larger amplitudes, radii, and absolute vorticities are associated with high eddy kinetic energy regions located in the vicinity of the South Java Current, South Equatorial Current, and Indonesian Throughflow. The eddies are grouped into three duration‐based classifications providing the first systematic insight into understanding their physical characteristics, formation, and distribution in the IAB.