Demographics of mesoscale eddies in the California Current

Demographics and variability of persistent mesoscale eddies in the California Current have been investigated in a systematic manner using a decade (1995–2004) of merged satellite altimeter data. The number of persistent eddies formed each year varied almost 3‐fold (4‐fold) for cyclones (anticyclones...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2007-07, Vol.34 (14), p.n/a
Main Authors: Stegmann, Petra M., Schwing, Franklin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
California
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Eddies
Exact sciences and technology
Mesoscale
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Summary:Demographics and variability of persistent mesoscale eddies in the California Current have been investigated in a systematic manner using a decade (1995–2004) of merged satellite altimeter data. The number of persistent eddies formed each year varied almost 3‐fold (4‐fold) for cyclones (anticyclones) and was strongly modulated by the 1997–1998 El Niño event. Over the 10‐year period, cyclone formation was maximum in both winter and summer while maximum anticyclone formation occurred only in winter. The majority of long‐lived eddies (≥70‐day lifespan) originated seaward of the 1000 m isobath, and with the exception of 2 anticyclones, did not form between 45° and 50°N. Maximum westward propagation of long‐lived eddies was almost 800 km with similar mean propagation speeds for cyclones and anticyclones.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2007GL029504