Arctic Ocean near-surface circulation: altimetry and in situ observations along the Transpolar Drift.

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-1013
• Publication Date: 2020-03-09T12:31:46Z
• Authors: Francesca Doglioni; Robert Ricker; Benjamin Rabe; Torsten Kanzow
• Keywords: Sea-surface height; Ocean surface topography; Geostrophic current

<p>Recent decades have seen a strong intensification of major circulation systems in the Arctic Ocean, namely Beaufort Gyre and Transpolar Drift. Observing studying seasonal, interannual decadal variability large-scale Ocean surface is key element to understand changes climate-relevant export both sea ice fresh water from Arctic. However, lack in-situ ocean velocity observations prevented further investigation until recently.</p><p>In past decade, charts geostrophic flow field been derived new satellite altimetry missions over ice-covered oceans, such as CryoSat-2, which was launched 2010. The altimetric measurements allow detection leads therefore retrieve height (SSH) across Ocean. Aiming characterize seasonal currents Drift, we use SSH Cryosat-2 mission between 2011 2018.</p><p>Here present an evaluation optimally interpolated anomalies against situ bottom pressure dynamic Height Fram Strait north Cape, years 2016 2018. Following assessment quality altimetry-based SSH, discuss timescales seasonally regions. Moreover, comparison with will attribute relative importance mass steric contributions along two transects. From first preliminary results test year (2011), at meridional transect central 78°N 80°N shows cycle minimum months March April, enhanced most southern mooring. </p>