Air‐sea interaction at an oceanic front: Implications for frontogenesis and primary production

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Abstract
Based on recent satellite observations, we hypothesize that there exists a significant air‐sea interaction at the shelf‐break front in the East China Sea. An idealized ocean‐atmosphere coupled model was designed to test this hypothesis and to study the physical processes involved in such an interaction, with emphasis on the oceanic part. A positive feedback between ocean and atmosphere was identified in the model and its consequences were evaluated. We found that air‐sea interaction, when combined with sloping topography, could provide a mechanism for the genesis of the shelf‐break front. The resulting frontal circulation and vertical mixing could bring nutrient‐rich subsurface water into the surface euphotic zone, thus making the frontal region a conspicuous place for primary production.