Abyssal Eddy Kinetic Energy Levels in the Western North Pacific

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Abstract
An earlier observation of about 50 cm2 s−2 for the maximum abyssal (∼4000 m depth) eddy kinetic energy (KE) in the western North Pacific along 152°E, occurring in the vicinity of the Kuroshio Extension, is now supported by nearly two years of observation with moored instruments deployed from 28 to 41°N. The maximum occurred at the same site each year (nominal, from one array setting to the next), near 35°N, and the composite or two-year average is 45 cm2 s−2. At analogous longitudes in the western North Atlantic, one finds abyssal kinetic energies as high as 100–150 cm2 s−2 in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream. However, the abyssal western North Pacific could be more energetic at longitudes other than 152°E. Eddy intensities at abyssal depths near the Gulf Stream do drop off to smaller values approaching either Cape Hatteras or longitudes in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Abyssal KE values at specific sites along 152°E were observed to vary by as low as a few percent and as high a... Abstract An earlier observation of about 50 cm2 s−2 for the maximum abyssal (∼4000 m depth) eddy kinetic energy (KE) in the western North Pacific along 152°E, occurring in the vicinity of the Kuroshio Extension, is now supported by nearly two years of observation with moored instruments deployed from 28 to 41°N. The maximum occurred at the same site each year (nominal, from one array setting to the next), near 35°N, and the composite or two-year average is 45 cm2 s−2. At analogous longitudes in the western North Atlantic, one finds abyssal kinetic energies as high as 100–150 cm2 s−2 in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream. However, the abyssal western North Pacific could be more energetic at longitudes other than 152°E. Eddy intensities at abyssal depths near the Gulf Stream do drop off to smaller values approaching either Cape Hatteras or longitudes in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Abyssal KE values at specific sites along 152°E were observed to vary by as low as a few percent and as high a...

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