On Eddy Characteristics, Eddy Transports, and Mean Flow Properties

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Abstract
Estimates of eddy energy and eddy scales obtained previously from TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) altimeter data are interpreted in the context of a baroclinically unstable flow field. From the observations an integral timescale Talt can be defined that—combined with estimates of the eddy kinetic energy—sets a mixing length scale. Results are compared with theories of a baroclinically unstable flow field. For such conditions, the Eady theory predicts a timescale Tbc = Ri/f from the mean-flow Richardson number Ri, which shows some qualitative agreement with T/P results in terms of a geographical distribution. A factor of 2 difference between the timescales can be explained in terms of a systematic difference between the specific definitions of scale estimates. Although transfer length and velocity scales emerging out of scaling arguments lack resemblance with observations, a transfer length scale based on Tbc and the observed eddy kinetic energy is strikingly consistent with observed eddy scales. Primarily i... Abstract Estimates of eddy energy and eddy scales obtained previously from TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) altimeter data are interpreted in the context of a baroclinically unstable flow field. From the observations an integral timescale Talt can be defined that—combined with estimates of the eddy kinetic energy—sets a mixing length scale. Results are compared with theories of a baroclinically unstable flow field. For such conditions, the Eady theory predicts a timescale Tbc = Ri/f from the mean-flow Richardson number Ri, which shows some qualitative agreement with T/P results in terms of a geographical distribution. A factor of 2 difference between the timescales can be explained in terms of a systematic difference between the specific definitions of scale estimates. Although transfer length and velocity scales emerging out of scaling arguments lack resemblance with observations, a transfer length scale based on Tbc and the observed eddy kinetic energy is strikingly consistent with observed eddy scales. Primarily i...

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