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General Session 1: Physical oceanic processes: Dynamics and physical-biological-biogeochemical interactions |
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Evolution of submesoscale coastal frontal waves in the East China Sea based on geostationary ocean color imager observational data
GS1-37-S
Wenbin Yin* , Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, China
Daji Huang, State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Hangzhou, China
Presenter Email: yinwenbin@zju.edu.cn
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| Oceanic frontal waves are frequently observed, but their life cycles are poorly understood because of the lack of time series data. In this study, the data of geostationary ocean color imager was used to explore the complete evolutionary process of submesoscale frontal waves off the southeast coast of China. Their evolution was analyzed in terms of both wave outline and ridge lines. The process lasted approximately 10 days as the waves propagated southward along the isobaths, accompanied by tidal oscillations. The life cycle comprised three stages: development, maturation, and decay. Scale estimation suggested that the onset of this process is caused by the collective effect of forced motion and unforced instability which is triggered by the passage of a tropical storm. The observed life cycle of frontal waves will provide an empirical basis for future theoretical investigations. |
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