[en] Charts of sea level anomalies (SLA) based on the combined altimetry data from the TOPEX/POSEIDON and ERS-2 satellites, as well as the corresponding charts of the sea surface dynamic heights (constructed by the superposition of SLA distributions over the climatic dynamic topography) and the temperature gradients at the ocean surface on the basis of the satellite Multi-Channel Sea Surface Temperature (MCSST) data, were used to study the mesoscale variability related to the fronts in the Southern Indian Ocean (30degrees-60degrees S, 20degrees-150degrees E). An analysis of these three types of satellite information for the central weeks of each month during the period from 1997 to 1999 allowed us to distinguish zones of enhanced meandering (eddy formation) within the basin under study, as well as the contributions of individual fronts and their interaction to the regional mesoscale variability. The problems of the correlation between the intensity of mesoscale variability and peculiarities of the local bottom topography and seasonal/interannual variability of mesoscale dynamics are addressed.
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Kostianoy, Andrey G.; Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (Moscow)
Ginzburg, Anna I.; Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (Moscow)
Lebedev, Sergey Anatolievich; Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow) > Geophysical Center
Frankignoulle, Michel; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'Astrophysique, Géophysique et Océanographie > Océanographie Chimique
Delille, Bruno ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Océanographie chimique
Language :
English
Title :
Fronts and mesoscale variability in the southern Indian Ocean as inferred from the TOPEX/POSEIDON and ERS-2 altimetry data
Publication date :
2003
Journal title :
Oceanology
ISSN :
0001-4370
eISSN :
1531-8508
Publisher :
Interperiodica, Birmingham, United States - Alabama
Volume :
43
Issue :
5, SEP-OCT
Pages :
632-642
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
Belcanto
Funders :
BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique Russian Fondation for Basic Research
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