View in EDS

Influence of Stratification and Yucatan Current Transport on the Loop Current Eddy Shedding Process.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Influence of Stratification and Yucatan Current Transport on the Loop Current Eddy Shedding Process.
Authors: Moreles, Efraín1,2 moreles@cmarl.unam.mx, Zavala-Hidalgo, Jorge2, Martínez-López, Benjamín2, Ruiz-Angulo, Angel3
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans. Jan2021, Vol. 126 Issue 1, p1-19. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Ocean currents, *Ocean circulation, Loop Current, Potential energy
Geographic Terms: Gulf of Mexico
Abstract: The effects of stratification and Yucatan Current (YC) transport on the dynamics of the Loop Current (LC) and Loop Current Eddies (LCEs) are studied using a primitive equation, 2½ nonhomogeneous layered model, which reproduces the main dynamical features of the upper ocean circulation in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The analysis considers the observed variations in stratification and YC transport, and their expected changes due to climate change. The study is based on a set of longterm simulations considering the combination of seven stratification configurations with seven transport configurations resulting in 49 cases. The LCE shedding period and diameter (LCE metrics) and kinetic energy, eddy kinetic energy, available potential energy, eddy available potential energy, and the energy Burger number (energy metrics) are analyzed. The stratification and transport contribute to the current and future LC and LCE variability, with their dynamics being more sensitive to transport variations than to stratification variations. The LCE detachment is associated with the increase in the mass of the LC and its available potential energy budget, which is a primary determinant for the LC and LCE dynamics and a condition for eddy shedding. For the expected changes due to climate change, the LCE response is contrary: larger stratification causes increments in the LCE metrics and energy metrics, except the energy Burger number that decreases; conversely, smaller transport causes the opposite response. A combined occurrence of increased stratification and reduced transport, as expected with climate change, causes decrements in the LCE metrics and energy in the GoM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract:The effects of stratification and Yucatan Current (YC) transport on the dynamics of the Loop Current (LC) and Loop Current Eddies (LCEs) are studied using a primitive equation, 2½ nonhomogeneous layered model, which reproduces the main dynamical features of the upper ocean circulation in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The analysis considers the observed variations in stratification and YC transport, and their expected changes due to climate change. The study is based on a set of longterm simulations considering the combination of seven stratification configurations with seven transport configurations resulting in 49 cases. The LCE shedding period and diameter (LCE metrics) and kinetic energy, eddy kinetic energy, available potential energy, eddy available potential energy, and the energy Burger number (energy metrics) are analyzed. The stratification and transport contribute to the current and future LC and LCE variability, with their dynamics being more sensitive to transport variations than to stratification variations. The LCE detachment is associated with the increase in the mass of the LC and its available potential energy budget, which is a primary determinant for the LC and LCE dynamics and a condition for eddy shedding. For the expected changes due to climate change, the LCE response is contrary: larger stratification causes increments in the LCE metrics and energy metrics, except the energy Burger number that decreases; conversely, smaller transport causes the opposite response. A combined occurrence of increased stratification and reduced transport, as expected with climate change, causes decrements in the LCE metrics and energy in the GoM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:21699275
DOI:10.1029/2020JC016315