Large-Scale Oceanic Variability Associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation during the CINDY/DYNAMO Field Campaign from Satellite Observations
Abstract
Large-scale upper ocean variations surrounding the intensive array during the CINDY/DYNAMO field campaign are described based on the analysis of satellite-derived data. Surface westerly winds near the equator were particularly strong during the MJO events in late November and late December, exceeding 10 m/s. These westerlies generated strong eastward jets (>lm/s) on the equator. The anomalous SSH associated with strong eastward jets propagated eastward as an equatorial Kelvin wave and generated intense downwelling near the eastern boundary. The anomalous positive SSH then propagated westward around 4 S as a reflected equatorial Rossby wave, and it significantly influenced the upper ocean structure in the Seychelles-Chagos thermocline ridge about two months after the last MJO event during the field campaign. For the first time, it is demonstrated that subseasonal SSS variations in the central Indian Ocean can be monitored by Aquarius measurements based on the comparison with in-situ observations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA580142
Entities
People
- Chunzai Wang
- Maria Flatau
- Sue Chen
- Tommy G. Jensen
- Toshiaki Shinoda
- Weiqing Han
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory