Observed zonal propagation speeds of nonlinear eddies, derived using an eddy tracking algorithm, are compared with the classical long Rossby wave speed, Doppler shifted by just the depth mean velocity, the latter obtained from annual mean hydrography and an ocean atlas. Despite neglecting any Doppler shift from baroclinic background flows, the correspondence between observed eddy propagation speeds and theoretical long Rossby wave phase speeds is improved in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current region, where both show eastward propagation at speeds of 1–3 cm s−1, although the observed eastward eddy propagation speeds are systematically lower than the predicted Rossby wave phase speeds.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
41
Issue
10
Pagination
3517-3521
ISSN
0094-8276
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Amer Geophysical Union
Place of publication
2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009
Rights statement
Copyright 2014 American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Understanding climate change not elsewhere classified