Statement
Before the satellite data became available, the ocean observations are sparse in space and time. Some features, like jets (striations in some papers), cannot be discovered because of shortage of observation data. Maximenko et al. (2005) revealed these new jets feature when analyzing a 15-year period of satellite altimetry data that measures oceanic sea level variations. Recently, those jets feature have also been found by scientists in the high-resolution (eddy-resolved) advanced ocean circulation models. Generally, these so-called jets feature are highly anisotropic, and they extend coherently over a large zonal scale while having a much smaller meridional scale. This NASA project is to specifically investigate the dynamics of the jet features (two distinct types) evident in both observations and advanced numerical models. The first type features (Stationary Jet-like Feature - SJF) are zonally elongated features that are especially distinct in the eastern parts of all subtropical oceans - their generation and existence is likely linked to eastern boundary current systems dynamics (e.g., coastal upwelling system by the California Current). The second type features (Propagating Jet-like Feature - PJF) are quasi-periodic nearly zonal-jet like structures that propagate toward the equator and appear confined within subtropical gyres.
Maintained by E. Di Lorenzo
School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences ©2010 Georgia Institute of Technology :: Atlanta, Georgia 30332 |