Submesoscale activity over the Argentinian shelf

Author(s)

Capet, X. ^[1] ; Campos, E. J. ^[1] ; Paiva, A. M. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, COPPE, Programa Engn, BR-21941901 Rio De Janeiro - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Geophysical Research Letters; v. 35, n. 15, p. L15605, 2008.
• Web of Science Citations: 38

Abstract

Submesoscale activity over the Argentinian shelf is investigated by means of high resolution primitive equation numerical solutions. These reveal energetic turbulent activity (visually similar to the one occasionally seen in satellite images) at scales O(5 km) in fall and winter that is linked to mixed layer baroclinic instability. The air-sea heat flux responsible for (i) deepening the upper ocean boundary layer (at these seasons) and (ii) maintaining a cross-shelf background density gradient is the key environmental parameter controlling submesoscale activity. Implications of submesoscale turbulence are investigated. Its mixing efficiency estimated by computing a diffusivity coefficient is above 30 m(2) s(-1) away from the shallowest regions. Aggregation of surface buoyant material by submesoscale currents occurs within hours and is presumably important to the ecosystem. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/04106-4 - Implementation and use of the regional ocean modeling system (ROMS) for studying mesoscale and submesoscale processes in Brazil-Malvinas frontal system
• Grantee: Xavier Capet
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 06/03968-2 - The role of mesoscale and submesoscale activity in the Brazil-Malvinas frontal system
• Grantee: Edmo José Dias Campos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants