Submesoscale Rossby waves on the Antarctic circumpolar current.
John R Taylor1, Scott Bachman2, Megan Stamper1
1Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, UK.
Science Advances
|April 20, 2018
Summary
Submesoscale disturbances in the Southern Ocean are altered by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). These disturbances form submesoscale Rossby waves, driving significant water subduction and vertical circulation.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Fluid Dynamics
- Climate Science
Background:
- The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is crucial for global ocean circulation.
- Submesoscale eddies and fronts (1-10 km) drive vertical mixing in the upper ocean.
- Little is known about submesoscales in the Southern Ocean.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior and impact of submesoscales in the Scotia Sea, influenced by the ACC.
- To understand how the ACC's strong jet modifies submesoscale dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized new observational data.
- Employed numerical models.
- Applied theoretical frameworks.
Main Results:
- Submesoscales are qualitatively altered by the ACC jet in the Scotia Sea.
- Dense filaments develop submesoscale disturbances, transforming into upstream-propagating submesoscale Rossby waves.
- Submesoscale Rossby waves do not disrupt the frontal structure, unlike in slower currents.
Conclusions:
- Submesoscale instabilities drive significant net subduction of water from a dense outcropping filament.
- Submesoscale Rossby waves are linked to intense vertical circulations in the ACC region.
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