Mechanisms of Eddy-Driven Variability of the Florida Current

• DOI: 10.1175/jpo-d-18-0192.1
• Publication Date: 2019-03-18T16:40:14Z
• Authors: Ricardo M. Domingues; William E. Johns; Christopher S. Me...
• Keywords: Eddy; Boundary current; Barotropic fluid; Anticyclone

Abstract In this study, mechanisms causing year-to-year changes in the Florida Current seasonality are investigated using controlled realistic numerical experiments designed to isolate western boundary responses westward-propagating open ocean signals. The reveal two distinct processes by which signals can modulate phase of variability, we refer as “direct” and “indirect” response mechanisms. direct mechanism involves a two-stage anticyclonic eddies characterized influence Rossby wave barotropic anomalies baroclinic wall jets that propagate through Northwest Providence Channel. indirect mechanism, act small perturbations stochastic Gulf Stream variability downstream, then transmitted upstream Straits coastally trapped rapidly travel along U.S. East Coast. Experiments indicate play key role modulating but not amplitude, is determined its intrinsic our simulations. Results from study further suggest Antilles may semipermeable barrier incoming signals, favoring interaction mechanism. reported here be potentially linked Atlantic meridional overturning circulation also present other current systems.