Intraseasonal Kelvin wave in Makassar Strait

Time series observations during 2004–2006 reveal the presence of 60–90 days intraseasonal events that impact the transport and mixing environment within Makassar Strait. The observed velocity and temperature fluctuations within the pycnocline reveal the presence of Kelvin waves including vertical en...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of geophysical research. Oceans 2013-04, Vol.118 (4), p.2023-2034
Main Authors: Pujiana, K., Gordon, A. L., Sprintall, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Baroclinic waves
Current meters
Earth, ocean, space
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Geophysics
Indian Ocean
Indonesian Throughflow
intraseasonal variability
Kelvin waves
Makassar Strait
Measuring instruments
Meteorology
Ocean currents
Physics of the oceans
Straits
Time series
Transport
Wave propagation
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Summary:Time series observations during 2004–2006 reveal the presence of 60–90 days intraseasonal events that impact the transport and mixing environment within Makassar Strait. The observed velocity and temperature fluctuations within the pycnocline reveal the presence of Kelvin waves including vertical energy propagation, energy equipartition, and nondispersive relationship. Two current meters at 750 and 1500 m provide further evidence that the vertical structure of the downwelling Kelvin wave resembles that of the second baroclinic wave mode. The Kelvin waves derive their energy from the equatorial Indian Ocean winds, including those associated with the Madden‐Julian oscillations, and propagate from Lombok Strait to Makassar Strait along the 100‐m isobath. The northward propagating Kelvin waves within the pycnocline reduce the southward Makassar Strait throughflow by up to 2 Sv and induce a marked increase of vertical diffusivity. Key PointsThe intraseasonal variability in Makassar St. exhibits Kelvin wave signaturesThe Kelvin wave derives its energy from the tropical Indian ocean winds.The Kelvin wave affects the throughflow transport and mixing environment.
ISSN:2169-9275
2169-9291
DOI:10.1002/jgrc.20069