Skip to main content
Article
Submesoscale and Mesoscale Eddies in the Florida Straits: Observations from Satellite Ocean Color Measurements
Geophysical Research Letters
  • Yingjun Zhang, University of South Florida
  • Chuanmin Hu, University of South Florida
  • Yonggang Liu, University of South Florida
  • Robert H. Weisberg, University of South Florida
  • Vassiliki H. Kourafalou, University of Miami
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2019
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL083999
Disciplines
Abstract

Despite their well-recognized importance in driving ocean physics and biology, submesoscale (diameter < Rossby radius of deformation) eddies have been extremely difficult to observe due to technical difficulties from both field and remote platforms. Here using novel satellite ocean color data products and modified algorithms, we address this challenge for the Florida Straits (22–28°N, 78–85°W). Between 2002 and 2018, while mesoscale eddies (radius >15 km) show strong seasonality with occurrence frequency decreasing from Lower Keys to Upper Keys, submesoscale eddies show little or no seasonality with high occurrence frequency restricted to 30–200-m isobaths. The number of mesoscale eddies decreases exponentially in size, but submesoscale eddies show a normal distribution in size. These findings are significant in filling our knowledge gap in submesoscale eddies in this physically and ecologically important region as it encompasses world-renowned coral reefs, seagrasses, and fisheries.

Rights Information
Default Rights Statement
Citation / Publisher Attribution

Geophysical Research Letters, v. 46, issue 22, p. 13262-13270

©2019. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.

Citation Information
Yingjun Zhang, Chuanmin Hu, Yonggang Liu, Robert H. Weisberg, et al.. "Submesoscale and Mesoscale Eddies in the Florida Straits: Observations from Satellite Ocean Color Measurements" Geophysical Research Letters Vol. 46 Iss. 22 (2019) p. 13262 - 13270
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chuanmin_hu/288/