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Concurrent Altimeter and Infrared Observations of Rossby Wave Propagation near 34°N in the Northeast Atlantic
| D. Cromwell, M.S. Jones, G.D. Quartly and P.G. Challenor |
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[ Address as above. ]
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Abstract
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Observations of long-wavelength baroclinic Rossby waves near 34°N in the
Northeast Atlantic ocean (east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) using both
TOPEX/POSEIDON sea surface height (SSH) altimeter data and
ERS-1 Along-Track Scanning Radiometer sea surface temperature
(SST) measurements are presented. Using the Fourier transforms of
longitude-time diagrams of the zonal gradients of SST and SSH we
locate the spectral components corresponding to westward wave
propagation and estimate wavelength, period and propagation speed.
The energy associated with the propagating waves in that region is
distinctly higher than in the surrounding areas. The similarities between
the properties of the SST and SSH zonal gradients are remarkable with
the same propagating signals clearly observed in both fields. It is believed
that the interaction between the Rossby waves and the Azores current could
play a major role in the amplification of the waves themselves.
Keywords: Rossby waves, Azores Current, Altimetry, ATSR SST
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