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Rossby waves: synergy in action
Graham D Quartly1, Paolo Cipollini, David Cromwell
1Laboratory for Satellite Oceanography, Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, Hants SO14 3ZH, UK.
Summary
Rossby waves link ocean basin processes across distances. Satellite data in the South Indian Ocean show these waves influence chlorophyll, primarily through water movement, though some western basin observations remain unexplained.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Satellite Oceanography
- Physical Oceanography
Background:
- Rossby waves are crucial for inter-basin process linkage.
- Understanding their influence on ocean ecosystems is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Rossby wave evidence in satellite data.
- To explore the impact of Rossby waves on chlorophyll concentration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of satellite-derived sea-surface height, temperature, and ocean colour data.
- Comparison of ocean colour signals with physical and thermal datasets.
- Case study in the South Indian Ocean.
Main Results:
- Evidence of Rossby waves detected in satellite datasets.
- Meridional advection across chlorophyll gradients identified as a primary mechanism.
- Incomplete explanation for westernmost basin observations.
Conclusions:
- Rossby waves demonstrably impact ocean colour via water mass advection.
- Further research is needed to fully explain western basin phenomena.