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Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data

Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data
Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data
Thermal fronts detected using multiple satellite sensors have been integrated to provide new information on the spatial and seasonal distribution of oceanic fronts in the North Atlantic. The branching of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) as it encounters the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is reflected in surface thermal fronts, which preferentially occur at the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ) and several smaller fracture zones. North of the CGFZ there are few thermal fronts, contrasting with the region to the south, where there are frequent surface thermal fronts that are persistent seasonally and interannually. The alignment of the fronts confirms that the shallower Reykjanes Ridge north of the CGFZ is more of a barrier to water movements than the ridge to the south. Comparison of front distributions with satellite altimetry data indicates that the MAR influence on deep ocean currents is also frequently exhibited in surface temperature. The improved spatial and temporal resolution of the front analysis has revealed consistent seasonality in the branching patterns. These results contribute to our understanding of the variability of the NAC, and the techniques for visualising oceanic fronts can be applied in other regions to reveal details of surface currents that cannot be resolved using satellite altimetry or in situ measurements.
Oceanic fronts, Remote sensing, North Atlantic Current, Ocean currents, Ocean circulation, SST, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone, Altimetry
0967-0645
244-256
Miller, Peter I.
a5187d8c-201a-43e5-b0c1-4fe1fa5809c0
Read, Jane F.
913784a2-30c1-4aa7-aa60-63824998e845
Dale, Andrew C.
1d3d32f1-4fee-4b2d-8d1c-45ff8b9486ca
Miller, Peter I.
a5187d8c-201a-43e5-b0c1-4fe1fa5809c0
Read, Jane F.
913784a2-30c1-4aa7-aa60-63824998e845
Dale, Andrew C.
1d3d32f1-4fee-4b2d-8d1c-45ff8b9486ca

Miller, Peter I., Read, Jane F. and Dale, Andrew C. (2013) Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 98, 244-256. (doi:10.1016/j.dsr2.2013.08.014).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Thermal fronts detected using multiple satellite sensors have been integrated to provide new information on the spatial and seasonal distribution of oceanic fronts in the North Atlantic. The branching of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) as it encounters the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is reflected in surface thermal fronts, which preferentially occur at the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ) and several smaller fracture zones. North of the CGFZ there are few thermal fronts, contrasting with the region to the south, where there are frequent surface thermal fronts that are persistent seasonally and interannually. The alignment of the fronts confirms that the shallower Reykjanes Ridge north of the CGFZ is more of a barrier to water movements than the ridge to the south. Comparison of front distributions with satellite altimetry data indicates that the MAR influence on deep ocean currents is also frequently exhibited in surface temperature. The improved spatial and temporal resolution of the front analysis has revealed consistent seasonality in the branching patterns. These results contribute to our understanding of the variability of the NAC, and the techniques for visualising oceanic fronts can be applied in other regions to reveal details of surface currents that cannot be resolved using satellite altimetry or in situ measurements.

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More information

Published date: 15 December 2013
Keywords: Oceanic fronts, Remote sensing, North Atlantic Current, Ocean currents, Ocean circulation, SST, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone, Altimetry
Organisations: Marine Biogeochemistry

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 360966
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/360966
ISSN: 0967-0645
PURE UUID: 23c4c3ab-331f-40c6-a22c-00f3fbe96994

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Date deposited: 08 Jan 2014 11:07
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 15:44

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Contributors

Author: Peter I. Miller
Author: Jane F. Read
Author: Andrew C. Dale

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