Surface Connectivity and Interocean Exchanges From Drifter-Based Transition Matrices

• Main Authors: McAdam, Ronan, van Sebille, Erik
• Other Authors: Sub Physical Oceanography, Dep Natuurkunde, Marine and Atmospheric Research
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Interocean exchange; Surface transport; Transition matrix; Transport barriers; Geophysics; Oceanography; Forestry; Aquatic Science; Ecology; Condensed Matter Physics; Water Science and Technology; Soil Science; Geochemistry and Petrology; Earth-Surface Processes; Physical and Theoretical Chemistry; Polymers and Plastics; Atmospheric Science; Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous); Space and Planetary Science; Materials Chemistry; Palaeontology; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/362629

Global surface transport in the ocean can be represented by using the observed trajectories of drifters to calculate probability distribution functions. The oceanographic applications of the Markov Chain approach to modeling include tracking of floating debris and water masses, globally and on yearly-to-centennial time scales. Here we analyze the error inherent with mapping trajectories onto a grid and the consequences for ocean transport modeling and detection of accumulation structures. A sensitivity analysis of Markov Chain parameters is performed in an idealized Stommel gyre and western boundary current as well as with observed ocean drifters, complementing previous studies on widespread floating debris accumulation. Focusing on two key areas of interocean exchange-the Agulhas system and the North Atlantic intergyre transport barrier-we assess the capacity of the Markov Chain methodology to detect surface connectivity and dynamic transport barriers. Finally, we extend the methodology's functionality to separate the geostrophic and nongeostrophic contributions to interocean exchange in these key regions.