Sources and Pathways of Intraseasonal Meridional Kinetic Energy in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean

In the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, meridional velocity variability exhibits a pronounced peak on intraseasonal time scales whereas zonal velocity dominantly varies on seasonal to interannual time scales. We focus on the intraseasonal meridional velocity variability away from the near-surface layer, its source regions, and its pathways into the deep ocean. This deep intraseasonal velocity variability plays a key role in equatorial dynamics as it is an important energy source for the deep equatorial circulation. The results are based on the output of a high-resolution ocean model revealing intraseasonal energy levels along the equator at all depths that are in good agreement with shipboard and moored velocity data. Spectral analyses reveal a pronounced signal of intraseasonal Yanai waves with westward phase velocities and zonal wavelengths longer than 450 km. Different sources and characteristics of these Yanai waves are identified: near the surface between 40 degrees and 10 degrees W, low-baroclinic-mode Yanai waves with periods of around 30 days are excited. These waves have a strong seasonal cycle with a maximum in August. High-frequency Yanai waves (10-20-day period) are excited at the surface east of 10 degrees W. In the region between the North Brazil Current and the Equatorial Undercurrent, high-baroclinic-mode Yanai waves with periods between 30 and 40 days are generated. Yanai waves with longer periods (40-80 days) are shed from the deep western boundary current. The Yanai wave energy is carried along beams eastward and downward, thus explaining differences in strength, structure, and periodicity of the meridional intraseasonal variability in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Significance StatementPast studies show that intraseasonal meridional kinetic energy is important for the deep equatorial circulation (DEC). However, numerical studies use intraseasonal variability with varying characteristics to investigate the formation and maintenance of the DEC. This is partly because of sparse observations at depth that are limited to single locations. This study investigates intraseasonal meridional kinetic energy in the equatorial Atlantic in a high-resolution ocean model that is tested against available shipboard and moored observations. We analyze the spatial and temporal distribution and the baroclinic structure of intraseasonal variability. Using the model, we identify different sources and pathways of intraseasonal energy in the deep equatorial Atlantic. We offer groundwork for further studies on the formation and maintenance of the DEC.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the intraseasonal meridional velocity variability in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean and its importance for the deep equatorial circulation. By using a high-resolution ocean model and comparing the results with shipboard and moored data, the study identifies different sources and characteristics of intraseasonal energy in the deep equatorial Atlantic. The findings provide a basis for further investigation into the formation and maintenance of the deep equatorial circulation.