Abstract:

The equatorial Kelvin wave is a special type of gravity wave that is affected by the earth’s rotation and trapped at the equator. The existence of the equatorial Kelvin wave relies on 1) gravity and stable stratification for sustaining a gravitational oscillation, 2) significant Coriolis acceleration, and 3) the presence of the equator. Change in the sign of Coriolis force at the equator makes the equator functioning as a wall to support Kelvin waves. Recent investigations by international collaboration projects indicated that the variability of equatorial Kelvin waves is closely associated with global climate change. This talk will briefly summarize the observation results of equatorial Kelvin waves in the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Indonesian Seas.