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Salinity fronts in the tropical Pacific Ocean
Hsun-Ying Kao1, Gary S E Lagerloef1
1Earth and Space Research Seattle, Washington, USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans
|July 28, 2015
Summary
Salinity fronts (SF) in the tropical Pacific are mapped using Aquarius satellite data. These fronts are strongest in autumn and the eastern Pacific, revealing new insights into ocean dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Satellite Oceanography
- Physical Oceanography
Background:
- Salinity fronts (SF) are crucial for understanding ocean dynamics.
- Previous studies have lacked detailed mapping of SF in the tropical Pacific.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate salinity fronts (SF) in the tropical Pacific.
- To describe their variability and dynamical significance.
- To analyze SF in key tropical Pacific regions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Aquarius satellite observations for monthly salinity mapping.
- Analyzed the structure and variability of surface salinity fronts.
- Investigated relationships between SF, precipitation, and surface velocity.
Main Results:
- SF are typically found near the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) fresh pool boundaries.
- SF exhibit seasonal variability, being strongest in boreal autumn.
- SF are generally stronger in the eastern Pacific compared to the western Pacific.
Conclusions:
- Aquarius data reveal previously unknown details of surface salinity fronts in the tropical Pacific.
- The fine-scale structure of SF provides critical information on regional air-sea interactions.
- SF dynamics are important for understanding upper ocean processes and climate variability.
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