SST stationary anomalies in the Azores region

Igor L. Bashmachnikov; Virginie Marie Lafon; Ana M. Martins

doi:10.1117/12.565596

16 November 2004 SST stationary anomalies in the Azores region

Igor L. Bashmachnikov, Virginie Marie Lafon, Ana M. Martins

Proceedings Volume 5569, Remote Sensing of the Ocean and Sea Ice 2004; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.565596
Event: Remote Sensing, 2004, Maspalomas, Canary Islands, Spain

Abstract

SST spatial variability in the Azores region is investigated using a method of least-square fit of a spatially averaged seasonal curve to monthly mean temperature variability curves at each pixel. The zero-order coefficient of the least-square fit is considered to represent a stationary anomaly field over the Azores region. The anomaly field reflects that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) forms a barrier for heat exchange between the western and the eastern subtropical North Atlantic basins. Two SST frontal interfaces are identified to the east of MAR: the North Azores Flow (NAzF), which crosses MAR at 42-43oN, and the northern border of the Azores current. Several regions with significantly cooler surface waters are identified on stationary SST anomaly field. The temperature difference inside and outside of the cold-water pools sometimes exceeds 0.5oC. The most prominent pools are observed at the eastern flank of the MAR, between the Central and Eastern groups of the Azores islands and at a seamount chain south of the Azores. Those cooler water pools can be related to bottom-trapped advection, intensification of cyclones over bottom rises or enhanced tidal mixing near abrupt bottom topography.

Citation Download Citation

Igor L. Bashmachnikov, Virginie Marie Lafon, and Ana M. Martins "SST stationary anomalies in the Azores region", Proc. SPIE 5569, Remote Sensing of the Ocean and Sea Ice 2004, (16 November 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.565596

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available