Meander dynamics in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current ...

• Main Author: Meijer, Jan Jaap
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: University of Tasmania 2024
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/25143134.v1; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Meander_dynamics_in_the_Antarctic_Circumpolar_Current/25143134/1

Meanders formed where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) interacts with topography have been identified as dynamical hot-spots, characterised by enhanced eddy energy, momentum transfer, and cross-front exchange. However, few studies have diagnosed the dynamics of ACC standing meanders directly from observations. Therefore, we first use a synoptic, upper-ocean hydrographic survey and satellite altimetry to explore the momentum and vorticity balance of a Subantarctic Front standing meander, downstream of the Southeast Indian Ridge. Second, we validated the processes diagnosed in the first hydrographic survey with a high-resolution model. And finally, we applied the knowledge of the momentum and vorticity balances gained from the Subantarctic Front meander to a second, more recent hydrographic survey of a growing, unstable meander in the Polar Front. This included measurements of full depth temperature, salinity and velocityeanders formed where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) interacts with ...