Articles | Volume 14, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1283-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-14-1283-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Spectral signatures of the tropical Pacific dynamics from model and altimetry: a focus on the meso-/submesoscale range
Michel Tchilibou
Laboratoire d'Etude en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
Lionel Gourdeau
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Laboratoire d'Etude en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
Rosemary Morrow
Laboratoire d'Etude en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
Guillaume Serazin
Laboratoire d'Etude en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
Bughsin Djath
Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Max-Planck-Straße, Geesthacht, Germany
Florent Lyard
Laboratoire d'Etude en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
Related authors
Michel Tchilibou, Loren Carrere, Florent Lyard, Clément Ubelmann, Gérald Dibarboure, Edward D. Zaron, and Brian K. Arbic
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1857, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1857, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study is based on sea level observations along the swaths of the new SWOT altimetry mission during its Calibration / Validation period. Internal tides are characterised off the Amazon shelf in the tropical Atlantic. SWOT observes internal tides over a wide range of spatial scales and highlights structures between 50–2 km, which are very intense and difficult to predict. Compared to the reference used to correct the altimetry data, the internal tide derived from SWOT performs very well.
Fernand Assene, Ariane Koch-Larrouy, Isabelle Dadou, Michel Tchilibou, Guillaume Morvan, Jérôme Chanut, Alex Costa da Silva, Vincent Vantrepotte, Damien Allain, and Trung-Kien Tran
Ocean Sci., 20, 43–67, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-43-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-43-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Twin simulations, with and without tides, are used to assess the impact of internal tides (ITs) on ocean temperature off the Amazon mouth at a seasonal scale. We found that in the surface layers, ITs and barotropic tides cause a cooling effect on sea surface temperature, subsequently leading to an increase in the net heat flux between the atmosphere and ocean. Vertical mixing is identified as the primary driver, followed by vertical and horizontal advection.
Arne Bendinger, Sophie Cravatte, Lionel Gourdeau, Laurent Brodeau, Aurélie Albert, Michel Tchilibou, Florent Lyard, and Clément Vic
Ocean Sci., 19, 1315–1338, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1315-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1315-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
New Caledonia is a hot spot of internal-tide generation due to complex bathymetry. Regional modeling quantifies the coherent internal tide and shows that most energy is converted in shallow waters and on very steep slopes. The region is a challenge for observability of balanced dynamics due to strong internal-tide sea surface height (SSH) signatures at similar wavelengths. Correcting the SSH for the coherent internal tide may increase the observability of balanced motion to < 100 km.
Michel Tchilibou, Ariane Koch-Larrouy, Simon Barbot, Florent Lyard, Yves Morel, Julien Jouanno, and Rosemary Morrow
Ocean Sci., 18, 1591–1618, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-1591-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-1591-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This high-resolution model-based study investigates the variability in the generation, propagation, and sea height signature (SSH) of the internal tide off the Amazon shelf during two contrasted seasons. ITs propagate further north during the season characterized by weak currents and mesoscale eddies and a shallow and strong pycnocline. IT imprints on SSH dominate those of the geostrophic motion for horizontal scales below 200 km; moreover, the SSH is mainly incoherent below 70 km.
Simon Barbot, Florent Lyard, Michel Tchilibou, and Loren Carrere
Ocean Sci., 17, 1563–1583, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1563-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1563-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Internal tides are responsible for surface deformations of the ocean that could affect the measurements of the forthcoming SWOT altimetric mission and need to be corrected. This study highlights the variability of the properties of internal tides based on the stratification variability only. A single methodology is successfully applied in two areas driven by different oceanic processes: the western equatorial Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay.
Michel Tchilibou, Lionel Gourdeau, Florent Lyard, Rosemary Morrow, Ariane Koch Larrouy, Damien Allain, and Bughsin Djath
Ocean Sci., 16, 615–635, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-615-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-615-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper focuses on internal tides in the marginal Solomon Sea where LLWBCs transit. The objective is to characterize such internal tides and to give some insights into their impacts on water mass transformation in this area of interest for the global circulation. Results are discussed for two contrasted ENSO conditions with different mesoscale activity and stratification. Such study is motivated by the next altimetric SWOT mission that will be able to observe such phenomena.
Michel Tchilibou, Loren Carrere, Florent Lyard, Clément Ubelmann, Gérald Dibarboure, Edward D. Zaron, and Brian K. Arbic
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1857, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1857, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study is based on sea level observations along the swaths of the new SWOT altimetry mission during its Calibration / Validation period. Internal tides are characterised off the Amazon shelf in the tropical Atlantic. SWOT observes internal tides over a wide range of spatial scales and highlights structures between 50–2 km, which are very intense and difficult to predict. Compared to the reference used to correct the altimetry data, the internal tide derived from SWOT performs very well.
Gerald Dibarboure, Cécile Anadon, Frédéric Briol, Emeline Cadier, Robin Chevrier, Antoine Delepoulle, Yannice Faugère, Alice Laloue, Rosemary Morrow, Nicolas Picot, Pierre Prandi, Marie-Isabelle Pujol, Matthias Raynal, Anaelle Treboutte, and Clément Ubelmann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1501, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1501, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission delivers unprecedented swath altimetry products. In this paper, we describe how we extended the Level-3 algorithms to handle SWOT’s unique swath-altimeter data. We also illustrate and discuss the benefits, relevance, and limitations of Level-3 swath-altimeter products for various research domains.
Fernand Assene, Ariane Koch-Larrouy, Isabelle Dadou, Michel Tchilibou, Guillaume Morvan, Jérôme Chanut, Alex Costa da Silva, Vincent Vantrepotte, Damien Allain, and Trung-Kien Tran
Ocean Sci., 20, 43–67, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-43-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-43-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Twin simulations, with and without tides, are used to assess the impact of internal tides (ITs) on ocean temperature off the Amazon mouth at a seasonal scale. We found that in the surface layers, ITs and barotropic tides cause a cooling effect on sea surface temperature, subsequently leading to an increase in the net heat flux between the atmosphere and ocean. Vertical mixing is identified as the primary driver, followed by vertical and horizontal advection.
Elisa Carli, Rosemary Morrow, Oscar Vergara, Robin Chevrier, and Lionel Renault
Ocean Sci., 19, 1413–1435, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1413-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1413-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Oceanic eddies are the structures carrying most of the energy in our oceans. They are key to climate regulation and nutrient transport. We prepare for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission, studying eddy dynamics in the region south of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, using models and simulated satellite data. SWOT will provide insights into the structures smaller than what is currently observable, which appear to greatly contribute to eddy kinetic energy and strain.
Arne Bendinger, Sophie Cravatte, Lionel Gourdeau, Laurent Brodeau, Aurélie Albert, Michel Tchilibou, Florent Lyard, and Clément Vic
Ocean Sci., 19, 1315–1338, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1315-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-1315-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
New Caledonia is a hot spot of internal-tide generation due to complex bathymetry. Regional modeling quantifies the coherent internal tide and shows that most energy is converted in shallow waters and on very steep slopes. The region is a challenge for observability of balanced dynamics due to strong internal-tide sea surface height (SSH) signatures at similar wavelengths. Correcting the SSH for the coherent internal tide may increase the observability of balanced motion to < 100 km.
Anna von Brandis, Gabriele Centurelli, Jonas Schmidt, Lukas Vollmer, Bughsin' Djath, and Martin Dörenkämper
Wind Energ. Sci., 8, 589–606, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-8-589-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-8-589-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We propose that considering large-scale wind direction changes in the computation of wind farm cluster wakes is of high relevance. Consequently, we present a new solution for engineering modeling tools that accounts for the effect of such changes in the propagation of wakes. The new model is evaluated with satellite data in the German Bight area. It has the potential to reduce uncertainty in applications such as site assessment and short-term power forecasting.
Oscar Vergara, Rosemary Morrow, Marie-Isabelle Pujol, Gérald Dibarboure, and Clément Ubelmann
Ocean Sci., 19, 363–379, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-363-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-363-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Recent advances allow us to observe the ocean from space with increasingly higher detail, challenging our knowledge of the ocean's surface height signature. We use a statistical approach to determine the spatial scale at which the sea surface height signal is no longer dominated by geostrophic turbulence but in turn becomes dominated by wave-type motions. This information helps us to better use the data provided by ocean-observing satellites and to gain knowledge on climate-driving processes.
Maxime Ballarotta, Clément Ubelmann, Pierre Veillard, Pierre Prandi, Hélène Etienne, Sandrine Mulet, Yannice Faugère, Gérald Dibarboure, Rosemary Morrow, and Nicolas Picot
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 295–315, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-295-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-295-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new gridded sea surface height and current dataset produced by combining observations from nadir altimeters and drifting buoys. This product is based on a multiscale and multivariate mapping approach that offers the possibility to improve the physical content of gridded products by combining the data from various platforms and resolving a broader spectrum of ocean surface dynamic than in the current operational mapping system. A quality assessment of this new product is presented.
Michel Tchilibou, Ariane Koch-Larrouy, Simon Barbot, Florent Lyard, Yves Morel, Julien Jouanno, and Rosemary Morrow
Ocean Sci., 18, 1591–1618, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-1591-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-1591-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This high-resolution model-based study investigates the variability in the generation, propagation, and sea height signature (SSH) of the internal tide off the Amazon shelf during two contrasted seasons. ITs propagate further north during the season characterized by weak currents and mesoscale eddies and a shallow and strong pycnocline. IT imprints on SSH dominate those of the geostrophic motion for horizontal scales below 200 km; moreover, the SSH is mainly incoherent below 70 km.
Clément Ubelmann, Loren Carrere, Chloé Durand, Gérald Dibarboure, Yannice Faugère, Maxime Ballarotta, Frédéric Briol, and Florent Lyard
Ocean Sci., 18, 469–481, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-469-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-18-469-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The signature of internal tides has become an important component for high-resolution altimetry over oceans. Several studies have proposed some solutions to resolve part of these internal tides based on the altimetry record. Following these studies, we propose here a new inversion approach aimed to mitigate aliasing with other dynamics. After a description of the methodology, the solution for the main tidal components has been successfully validated against independent observations.
Cori Pegliasco, Antoine Delepoulle, Evan Mason, Rosemary Morrow, Yannice Faugère, and Gérald Dibarboure
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 1087–1107, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-1087-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-1087-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The new global Mesoscale Eddy Trajectory Atlases (META3.1exp) provide eddy identification and trajectories from altimetry maps. These atlases comprise an improvement to and continuation of the historical META2.0 product. Changes in the detection parameters and tracking were tested by comparing the eddies from the different datasets. In particular, the eddy contours available in META3.1exp are an asset for multi-disciplinary studies.
Simon Barbot, Florent Lyard, Michel Tchilibou, and Loren Carrere
Ocean Sci., 17, 1563–1583, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1563-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1563-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Internal tides are responsible for surface deformations of the ocean that could affect the measurements of the forthcoming SWOT altimetric mission and need to be corrected. This study highlights the variability of the properties of internal tides based on the stratification variability only. A single methodology is successfully applied in two areas driven by different oceanic processes: the western equatorial Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay.
Florent H. Lyard, Damien J. Allain, Mathilde Cancet, Loren Carrère, and Nicolas Picot
Ocean Sci., 17, 615–649, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-615-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-615-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Since the mid-1990s, a series of FES (finite element solution) global ocean tidal atlases has been produced with the primary objective to provide altimetry missions with a tidal de-aliasing correction. We describe the underlying hydrodynamic/data assimilation design and accuracy assessments for the FES2014 release. The FES2014 atlas shows overall improved performance and has consequently been integrated in satellite altimetry and gravimetric data processing and adopted in ITRF standards.
Loren Carrere, Brian K. Arbic, Brian Dushaw, Gary Egbert, Svetlana Erofeeva, Florent Lyard, Richard D. Ray, Clément Ubelmann, Edward Zaron, Zhongxiang Zhao, Jay F. Shriver, Maarten Cornelis Buijsman, and Nicolas Picot
Ocean Sci., 17, 147–180, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-147-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-147-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Internal tides can have a signature of several centimeters at the ocean surface and need to be corrected from altimeter measurements. We present a detailed validation of several internal-tide models using existing satellite altimeter databases. The analysis focuses on the main diurnal and semidiurnal tidal constituents. Results show the interest of the methodology proposed, the quality of the internal-tide models tested and their positive contribution for estimating an accurate sea level.
Guillaume Sérazin, Frédéric Marin, Lionel Gourdeau, Sophie Cravatte, Rosemary Morrow, and Mei-Ling Dabat
Ocean Sci., 16, 907–925, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-907-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-907-2020, 2020
Michel Tchilibou, Lionel Gourdeau, Florent Lyard, Rosemary Morrow, Ariane Koch Larrouy, Damien Allain, and Bughsin Djath
Ocean Sci., 16, 615–635, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-615-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-16-615-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper focuses on internal tides in the marginal Solomon Sea where LLWBCs transit. The objective is to characterize such internal tides and to give some insights into their impacts on water mass transformation in this area of interest for the global circulation. Results are discussed for two contrasted ENSO conditions with different mesoscale activity and stratification. Such study is motivated by the next altimetric SWOT mission that will be able to observe such phenomena.
Astrid Lampert, Konrad Bärfuss, Andreas Platis, Simon Siedersleben, Bughsin Djath, Beatriz Cañadillas, Robert Hunger, Rudolf Hankers, Mark Bitter, Thomas Feuerle, Helmut Schulz, Thomas Rausch, Maik Angermann, Alexander Schwithal, Jens Bange, Johannes Schulz-Stellenfleth, Thomas Neumann, and Stefan Emeis
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 935–946, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-935-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-935-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
With the research aircraft Do-128 of TU Braunschweig, meteorological measurements were performed in the wakes of offshore wind parks during the project WIPAFF. During stable atmospheric conditions, the areas of reduced wind speed and enhanced turbulence behind wind parks had an extension larger than 45 km downwind. The data set consisting of 41 measurement flights is presented. Parameters include wind vector, temperature, humidity and significant wave height.
Violaine Piton, Marine Herrmann, Florent Lyard, Patrick Marsaleix, Thomas Duhaut, Damien Allain, and Sylvain Ouillon
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 1583–1607, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-1583-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-1583-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Consequences of tidal dynamics on hydro-sedimentary processes are a recurrent issue in estuarine and coastal processes studies, and accurate tidal solutions are a prerequisite for modeling sediment transport. This study presents the implementation and optimization of a model configuration in terms of bathymetry and bottom friction and assess the influence of these parameters on tidal solutions, in a macro-tidal environment: the Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam).
Simon K. Siedersleben, Andreas Platis, Julie K. Lundquist, Bughsin Djath, Astrid Lampert, Konrad Bärfuss, Beatriz Cañadillas, Johannes Schulz-Stellenfleth, Jens Bange, Tom Neumann, and Stefan Emeis
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 249–268, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-249-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-249-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Wind farms affect local weather and microclimates. These effects can be simulated in weather models, usually by removing momentum at the location of the wind farm. Some debate exists whether additional turbulence should be added to capture the enhanced mixing of wind farms. By comparing simulations to measurements from airborne campaigns near offshore wind farms, we show that additional turbulence is necessary. Without added turbulence, the mixing is underestimated during stable conditions.
Rosemary Morrow, Alice Carret, Florence Birol, Fernando Nino, Guillaume Valladeau, Francois Boy, Celine Bachelier, and Bruno Zakardjian
Ocean Sci., 13, 13–29, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-13-13-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-13-13-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Spectral analyses of along-track altimetric data are used to estimate noise levels and observable ocean scales in the NW Mediterranean Sea. In winter, all altimetric missions can observe wavelengths down to 40–50 km (individual feature diameters of 20–25 km). In summer, SARAL can detect scales down to 35 km, whereas Jason-2 and CryoSat-2 with higher noise can only observe scales less than 50–55 km. Along-track altimeter data are also compared with collocated glider and coastal HF radar data.
Lionel Zawadzki, Michaël Ablain, Loren Carrere, Richard D. Ray, Nikita P. Zelensky, Florent Lyard, Amandine Guillot, and Nicolas Picot
Ocean Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2016-19, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2016-19, 2016
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
Mean sea level (MSL) is a prominent indicator of climatic change, and is therefore of great scientific and societal interest. Since the beginning of the altimeter mission TOPEX/Poseidon and its successors Jason-1 and Jason-2, MSL products became essential for climate applications. Since 1995, a suspicious signal is apparent in the corresponding MSL record. Since 2010, scientific teams have been working on reducing this error. This paper assesses, characterizes and quantifies this reduction.
S. T. Gille, M. M. Carranza, R. Cambra, and R. Morrow
Biogeosciences, 11, 6389–6400, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6389-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6389-2014, 2014
Short summary
Short summary
The Kerguelen Plateau supports a strong spring chlorophyll bloom, in contrast with most of the Southern Ocean. Throughout the Southern Ocean, including in the Kerguelen area, wind can determine oceanic vertical velocities that may bring nutrients to the surface and contribute to the development of blooms. The Kerguelen Island itself generates a wind shadow that locally enhances upwelling velocities to the north of the main axis of the winds, and chlorophyll is high in this upwelling region.
C. Maraldi, J. Chanut, B. Levier, N. Ayoub, P. De Mey, G. Reffray, F. Lyard, S. Cailleau, M. Drévillon, E. A. Fanjul, M. G. Sotillo, P. Marsaleix, and the Mercator Research and Development Team
Ocean Sci., 9, 745–771, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-745-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-9-745-2013, 2013
Cited articles
Adcroft, A., Hill, C., and Marshall, J.: Representation of topography by shaved
cells in a height coordinate ocean model, Mon. Weather Rev., 125, 2293–2315, 1997.
Barnier B., Madec, G., Penduff, T., Molines, J.-M., Treguier, A.-M., Le Sommer,
J., Beckmann, A., Biastoch, A., Böning, C., Dengg, J., Derval, C., Durand,
E., Gulev, S., Remy, E., Talandier, C., Theetten, S., Maltrud, M., McClean, J.,
and De Cuevas, B.: Impact of partial steps and momentum advection schemes in a
global ocean circulation model at eddy permitting resolution, Ocean Dynam., 4,
543–567, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-006-0082-1, 2006.
Bendat, J. S. and Piersol A. G.: Random Data: Analysis and Measurement Procedures,
4th Edn., Wiley-Intersci., Hoboken, NJ, 2000.
Biri, S., Serra, N., Scharffenberg, M. G., and Stammer, D.: Atlantic sea surface
height and velocity spectra inferred from satellite altimetry and a hierarchy
of numerical simulations, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 121, 4157–4177, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JC011503, 2016.
Capet, X., Klein, P., Hua, B., Lapeyre, G., and McWilliams, J. C.: Mesoscale to
submesoscale transition in the California Current system. Part III: Energy
balance and flux, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 38, 2256–2269, 2008.
Carrere, L. and Lyard, F.: Modeling the barotropic response of the global ocean
to atmospheric wind and pressure forcing – comparisons with observations,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 30, 1275, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL016473, 2003.
Chassignet, E. P. and Xu, X.: Impact of horizontal resolution (1∕12∘
to 1∕50∘) on Gulf Stream separation, penetration, and variability, J.
Phys. Oceanogr., 47, 1999–2021, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-17-0031.1, 2017.
Chelton, D. B., DeSzoeke, R. A., Schlax, M. G., El Naggar, K., and Siwertz, N.:
Geographical variability of the first baroclinic Rossby radius of deformation,
J. Phys. Oceanogr., 28, 433–460, 1998.
Chelton, D. B., Schlax, M. G., Samelson, R. M., and De Szoeke, R. A.: Global
observations of westward energy propagation in the ocean: Rossby waves or
nonlinear eddies?, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L15606, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL030812, 2007.
Cravatte, S., Picaut, J., and Eldin, G.: Second and first baroclinic Kelvin
modes in the equatorial Pacific at intraseasonal timescales, J. Geophys. Res.,
108, 3266, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JC001511, 2003.
Dee, D. P., Uppala, S. M., Simmons, A. J., Berrisford, P., Poli, P., Kobayashi,
S., Andrae, U., Balmaseda, M. A., Balsamo, G., Bauer, P., Bechtold, P., Beljaars,
A. C. M., van de Berg, L., Bidlot, J., Bormann, N., Delsol, C., Dragani, R.,
Fuentes, M., Geer, A. J., Haimberger, L., Healy, S. B., Hersbach, H., Helm, E.
V., Isaksen, L., Kallberg, P., Kahler, M., Matricardi, M., McNally, A. P.,
Monge-Sanz, B. M., Morcrette, J.-J., Park, B.-K., Peubey, C., de Rosnay, P.,
Tavolato, C., Thepaut, J.-N., and Vitart, F.: The ERA-Interim reanalysis:
configuration and performance of the data assimilation system, Q. J. Roy.
Meteorol. Soc., 137, 553–597, https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.828, 2011.
Dibarboure, G., Boy, F., Desjonqueres, J. D., Labroue, S., Lasne, Y., Picot, N.,
Poisson, J. C., and Thibaut, P.: Investigating short-wavelength correlated
errors on low-resolution mode altimetry, J. Atmos. Ocean. Tech., 31, 1337–1362, 2014.
Djath, B., Verron, J., Melet, A., Gourdeau, L., Barnier, B., and Molines, J.-M.:
Multiscale dynamical analysis of a high-resolution numerical model simulation
of the Solomon Sea circulation, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 119, 6286–6304,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JC009695, 2014.
Dufau, C., Orsztynowicz, M., Dibarboure, G., Morrow, R., and Le Traon, P.-Y.:
Mesoscale resolution capability of altimetry: Present and future, J. Geophys.
Res.-Oceans, 121, 4910–4927, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JC010904, 2016.
Eden, C.: Eddy length scales in the North Atlantic Ocean, J. Geophys. Res.,
112, C06004, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JC003901, 2007.
Farrar, J. T.: Observations of the dispersion characteristics and meridional
sea level structure of equatorial waves in the Pacific Ocean, J. Phys. Oceanogr.,
38, 1669–1689, 2008.
Farrar, J. T.: Barotropic Rossby waves radiating from tropical instability waves
in the Pacific Ocean, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 41, 1160–1181, 2011.
Farrar, J. T. and Durland, T. S.: Wavenumber-frequency spectra of inertia-gravity
and mixed Rossby-gravity waves in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, J. Phys.
Oceanogr., 42, 1859–1881, 2012.
Farrar, J. T. and Weller, R. A.: Intraseasonal variability near 10N in the
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, J. Geophys. Res., 111, C05015, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JC002989, 2006.
Fu, L.: Latitudinal and Frequency Characteristics of the Westward Propagation
of Large-Scale Oceanic Variability, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 34, 1907–1921,
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(2004)034<1907:LAFCOT>2.0.CO;2, 2004.
Fu, L. and Ubelmann, C.: On the Transition from Profile Altimeter to Swath
Altimeter for Observing Global Ocean Surface Topography, J. Atmos. Ocean. Tech.,
31, 560–568, https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-13-00109.1, 2014.
Fu, L.-L.: Pattern and velocity of propagation of the global ocean eddy
variability, J. Geophys. Res., 114, C11017, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC005349, 2009.
Ganachaud, A., Cravatte, S., Melet, A., Schiller, A., Holbrook, N. J., Sloyan,
B. M., Widlansky, M. J., Bowen, M., Verron, J., Wiles, P., Ridgway, K., Sutton,
P., Sprintall, J., Steinberg, C., Brassington, G., Cai, W., Davis, R., Gasparin,
F., Gourdeau, L., Hasegawa, T., Kessler, W., Maes, C., Takahashi, K., Richards,
K. J., and Send, U.: The Southwest Pacific Ocean circulation and climate
experiment (SPICE), J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 119, 7660–7686, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JC009678, 2014.
Garrett, C. and Munk, W.: Space-time scales of internal waves: A progress report,
J. Geophys. Res., 80, 291–297, https://doi.org/10.1029/JC080i003p00291, 1975.
Gourdeau, L.: Internal tides observed at 2∘ S–156∘ E by in
situ and TOPEX/POSEIDON data during COARE, J. Geophys. Res., 103, 12629–12638, 1998.
Gourdeau, L., Verron, J., Melet, A., Kessler, W., Marin, F., and Djath, B.:
Exploring the mesoscale activity in the Solomon Sea: a complementary approach
with numerical model and altimetric data, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 119,
2290–2311, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JC009614, 2014.
Gourdeau, L., Verron, J., Chaigneau, A., Cravatte, S., and Kessler, W.:
Complementary use of glider data, altimetry, and model for exploring mesoscale
eddies in the tropical Pacific Solomon Sea, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 122,
9209–9229, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JC013116, 2017.
Kennan, S. C. and Flament, P. J.: Observations of a tropical instability vortex,
J. Phys. Oceanogr., 30, 2277–2301, 2000.
Kessler, W. S., McPhaden, M. J., and Weikmann, K. M.: Forcing of intraseasonal
Kelvin waves in the equatorial Pacific, J. Geophys. Res., 100, 10613–10631, 1995.
Klein, P., Hua, B., Lapeyre, G., Capet, X., Gentil, S. L., and Sasaki, H.:
Upper ocean turbulence from high 3-d resolution simulations, J. Phys. Oceanogr.,
38, 1748–1763, 2008.
Klocker, A. and Abernathey, R.: Global Patterns of Mesoscale Eddy Properties
and Diffusivities, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 44, 1030–1046, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-13-0159.1, 2014.
Klocker, A., Marshall, D. P., Keating, S. R., and Read, P. L.: A regime diagram
for ocean geostrophic turbulence, Q. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc., 142, 2411–2417, 2016.
Kobashi, F. and Kawamura, H.: Seasonal variation and instability nature of the
North Pacific Subtropical Countercurrent and the Hawaiian Lee Countercurrent,
J. Geophys. Res., 107, 3185, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JC001225, 2002.
Lambin J., Morrow, R., Fu, L. L., Willis, J. K., Bonekamp, H., Lillibridge, J.,
Perbos, J. , Zaouche, G., Vaze, P., Bannoura, W., Parisot, F., Thouvenot, E.,
Coutin-Faye, S., Lindstrom, E., and Mignogno, M.: The OSTM/Jason-2 Mission,
Mar. Geod., 33, 4–25, https://doi.org/10.1080/01490419.2010.491030, 2010.
Large, W. and Yeager, S.: Diurnal to decadal global forcing for ocean and
sea-ice models: The data sets and Flux climatologies, in: Climate and global
dynamics division (Tech. Note NCAR/TN-4601STR), The National Center for Atmospheric
Research, Boulder, CO, https://doi.org/10.5065/D6KK98Q6, 2004.
Large, W. and Yeager, S.: The global climatology of an interannually varying
air–sea flux data set, Clim. Dynam., 33, 341–364, 2009.
Lecointre, A., Molines, J.-M., and Barnier, B.: Definition of the interannual
experiment ORCA12.L46-MAL95, 1989–2007, Internal Rep. MEOM-LEGI-CNRS,
LEGI-DRA-21-10-2011, Drakkar, Grenoble, France, p. 25, 2011.
Lee, T., Farrar, J. T., Arnault, S., Meyssignac, D., Han, W., and Durland, T.:
Monitoring and interpreting the tropical oceans by satellite altimetry, in:
Satellite Altimetry Over Ocean and Land Surfaces, chap. 7, edited by: Stammer,
D. and Cazenave, A., CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 40 pp., 2018.
Le Traon, P. Y., Klein, P., Hua, B. L., and Dibarboure, G.: Do Altimeter
Wavenumber Spectra Agree with the Interior or Surface Quasigeostrophic Theory?,
J. Phys. Oceanogr., 38, 1137–1142, https://doi.org/10.1175/2007JPO3806.1, 2008.
Levitus, S., Boyer, T. P., Conkright, M. E., O'Brien, T., Antonov, J., Stephens,
C., and Gelfeld, R.: NOAA Atlas NESDIS 18,World Ocean Data base 1998: VOLUME 1:
Introduction, US Gov. Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 346 pp., 1998.
Lin, X., Yang, J., Wu, D., and Zhai, P.: Explaining the global distribution of
peak-spectrum variability of sea surface height, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35,
L14602, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL034312, 2008.
Lyard, F. , Cancet, M., Carrere, L., and Allain, D.: FES2014 global ocean tides
atlas: design and performances, Ocean Dynam., in preparation, 2018.
Lyman, J., Chelton, D. B., de Szoeke, R. A., and Samelson, R. M.: Tropical
instability waves as a resonance between equatorial Rossby waves, J. Phys.
Oceanogr., 35, 234–254, 2005.
Lyman, J. M., Johnson, G. C., and Kessler, W. S.: Distinct 17- and 33-day
tropical instability waves in subsurface observations, J. Phys. Oceanogr.,
37, 855–872, 2007.
Madec, G.: NEMO ocean engine, Note du Pole de Modélisation, Tech. Rep. 27,
Inst. Pierre Simon Laplace, France, 300 pp., 2008.
Marchesiello, P., Capet, X., Menkes, C., and Kennan, S. C.: Submesoscale dynamics
in tropical instability waves, Ocean Model., 39, 31–46, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2011.04.011, 2011.
Masina, S., Philander, S. G. H., and Bush, A. B. G.: An analysis of tropical
instability waves in a numerical model of the Pacific Ocean: 2. Generation and
energetics of the waves, J. Geophys. Res., 104, 29637–29661, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JC900226, 1999.
Morten, A. J., Arbic, B. K., and Flierl, G. R.: Wavenumber-frequency analysis
of single-layer shallow-water beta-plane quasi-geostrophic turbulence, Phys.
Fluids, 29, 106602, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5003846, 2017.
Niwa, Y. and Hibiya, T.: Estimation of baroclinic tide energy available for
deep ocean mixing based on three-dimensional global numerical simulations, J.
Oceanogr., 67, 493–502, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-011-0052-1, 2011.
Nugroho, D.: The Tides in a general circulation model in the Indonesian Seas,
in: Ocean, Atmosphere, Universite Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, UT3 Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, 017.
Penduff, T., Le Sommer, J., Barnier, B., Treguier, A.-M., Molines, J.-M., and
Madec, G.: Influence of numerical schemes on current topography interactions in
1∕48 global ocean simulations, Ocean Sci., 3, 509–524, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-3-509-2007, 2007.
Picaut, J., Hayes, S. P., and McPhaden, M. J.: Use of the geostrophic
approximation to estimate time-varying zonal currents at the equator, J. Geophys.
Res., 94, 3228–3236, https://doi.org/10.1029/JC094iC03p03228, 1989.
Ponte, A. L. and Klein, P.: Incoherent signature of internal tides on sea level
in idealized numerical simulations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 1520–1526,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GL062583, 2015.
Ponte, A. L., Klein, P., Capet X., Le Traon, P. Y., Chapron, B., and Lherminier,
P.: Diagnosing Surface Mixed Layer Dynamics from High-Resolution Satellite
Observations: Numerical Insights, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 43, 1345–1355,
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-12-0136.1, 2013.
Qiu, B. and Chen, S.: Seasonal Modulations in the Eddy Field of the South Pacific
Ocean, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 34, 1515–1527, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(2004)034<1515:SMITEF>2.0.CO;2, 2004.
Ray, R. D. and Zaron, E. D.: M2 Internal Tides and Their Observed Wavenumber
Spectra from Satellite Altimetry, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 46, 3–22, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-15-0065.1, 2016.
Rhines, P. B.: Waves and turbulence on a beta-plane, J. Fluid Mech., 69, 417–443, 1975.
Richman, J. G., Arbic, B. K., Shriver, J. F., Metzger, E. J., and Wallcraft, A.
J.: Inferring dynamics from the wavenumber spectra of an eddying global ocean
model with embedded tides, J. Geophys. Res., 117, C12012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JC008364, 2012.
Rocha, C. B., Chereskin, T. K., Gille, S. T., and Menemenlis, D.: Mesoscale to
Submesoscale Wavenumber Spectra in Drake Passage, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 46,
601–620, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-15-0087.1, 2016.
Sasaki, H. and Klein, P.: SSH wavenumber spectra in the North Pacific from a
high-resolution realistic simulation, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 42, 1233–1241,
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-11-0180.1, 2012.
Sasaki, H. and Nonaka, M.: Far-reaching Hawaiian Lee Countercurrent driven by
wind-stress curl induced by warm SST band along the current, Geophys. Res. Lett.,
33, L13602, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL026540, 2006.
Savage, A. C., Arbic, B. K., Alford, M. H., Ansong, J. K., Farrar, J. T.,
Menemenlis, D., O'Rourke, A. K., Richman, J. G., Shriver, J. F., Voet, G.,
Wallcraf, A. J., and Zamudio, L.: Frequency content of sea surface height
variability from internal gravity waves to mesoscale eddies, J. Geophys.
Res.-Oceans, 122, 2519–2538, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JC012331, 2017.
Shriver, J. F., Richman, J. G., and Arbic, B. K.: How stationary are the internal
tides in a high resolution global ocean circulation model?, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans,
119, 2769–2787, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JC009423, 2014.
Soufflet Y., Marchesiello, P., Lemarie, F., Jouanno, J., Capet, X., Debreu, L.,
and Benshila, R.: On effective resolution in ocean models, Ocean Model., 98, 36–50, 2016.
Stammer, D.: Global characteristics of ocean variability estimated from regional
TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter measurements, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 27, 1743–1769, 1997.
Stammer, D., Ray, R. D., Andersen, O. B., Arbic, B. K., Bosch, W., Carrère,
L., Cheng, Y., Chinn, D. S., Dushaw, B. D., Egbert, G. D., Erofeeva, S. Y.,
Fok, H. S., Green, J. A. M., Griffiths, S., King, M. A., Lapin, V., Lemoine, F.
G., Luthcke, S. B., Lyard, F., Morison, J., Müller, M., Padman, L., Richman,
J. G., Shriver, J. F., Shum, C. K., Taguchi, E., and Yi, Y.: Accuracy assessment
of global barotropic ocean tide models, Rev. Geophys., 52, 243–282, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014RG000450, 2014.
Tchilibou, M., Gourdeau, L., Djath, B., Lyard, F., Allain, D., and Morrow, R.:
Internal tide in the Solomon Sea, PS44A-2299, in: Ocean Science meeting,
11–16 February 2018, Portland, 2018.
Theiss, J.: Equatorward energy cascade, critical latitude, and the predominance
of cyclonic vortices in geostrophic turbulence, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 34, 1663–1678, 2004.
Treguier, A. M., Barnier, B., deMiranda, A. P., Molines, J. M., Grima, N.,
Imbard, M., Madec, G., Messager, C., Reynaud, T., and Michel, S.: An
eddy-permitting model of the Atlantic circulation: Evaluating open boundary
conditions, J. Geophys. Res., 106, 22115–22129, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JC000376, 2001.
Tulloch, R., Marshall, J., and Smith, K. S.: Interpretation of the propagation
of surface altimetric observations in terms of planetary waves and geostrophic
turbulence, J. Geophys. Res., 114, C02005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JC005055, 2009.
Ubelmann, C. and Fu, L. L.: Vorticity structures in the tropical Pacific from
a numerical simulation, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 41, 1455–1464, https://doi.org/10.1175/2011JPO4507.1, 2011.
Verron, J. and Blayo, E.: The no-slip boundary condition and the Gulf Stream
separation problem, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 26, 1938–1951, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(1996)026<1938:TNSCAS>2.0.CO;2, 1996.
Verron J., Sengenes, P., Lambin, J., Noubel, J., Steunou, N., Guillot, A., Picot,
N., Coutin-Faye, S., Sharma, R., Gairola, R. M., Raghava Murthy, D. V. A.,
Richman, J. G., Griffin, D., Pascual, A., Rémy F., and Gupta, P. K.: The
SARAL/AltiKa Altimetry Satellite Mission, Mar. Geod., 38, 2–21, https://doi.org/10.1080/01490419.2014.1000471, 2015.
Wakata, Y.: Frequency wavenumber spectra of equatorial waves detected from
satellite altimter data, J. Oceanogr., 63, 483–490, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10872-007-0043-4, 2007.
Willett, C. S., Leben, R. R., and Lavin, M. F.: Eddies and tropical instability
waves in the eastern tropical Pacific: A review, Prog. Oceanogr., 69, 218–238,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2006.03.010, 2006.
Wortham, J. C. and Wunsch, C.: A multidimensional spectral description of ocean
variability, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 44, 944–966, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-13-0113.1, 2014.
Wunsch, C.: Towards a mid-latitude ocean frequency-wavenumber spectral density
and trend determination, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 40, 2264–2281, 2010.
Xu, Y. and Fu, L.-L.: Global variability of the wavenumber spectrum of oceanic
mesoscale turbulence, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 41, 802–809, 2011.
Xu, Y. and Fu, L.-L.: The Effects of Altimeter Instrument Noise on the Estimation
of the Wavenumber Spectrum of Sea Surface Height, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 42,
2229–2233, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-12-0106.1, 2012.
Zaron, E. D.: Mapping the nonstationary internal tide with satellite altimetry,
J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 122, 539–554, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JC012487, 2017.
Zhou, X.-H., Wang, D.-P., and Chen, D.: Global wavenumber spectrum with
corrections for altimeter high-frequency noise, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 45, 495–503, 2015.
Short summary
This paper is motivated by the next SWOT altimetric mission dedicated to the observation of mesoscale and submesoscale oceanic features. It focuses on tropical areas with a strong discrepancy in the spectral signature between altimetry and models. The paper reviews the spectral signature of tropical turbulence which presents a rich variety of phenomena depending on the latitudinal dependence of the Coriolis force. Internal tides observed by altimetry explain the discrepancy with the model.
This paper is motivated by the next SWOT altimetric mission dedicated to the observation of...