HR: 08:00h
AN: OS21D-01 INVITED     [Abstracts]
TI: Ocean Circulation from Space: An Overview
AU: * Gille, S T
EM: sgille@ucsd.edu
AF: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., MC 0230, La Jolla, CA 92093-0230
AB: Satellite observations of sea surface temperature, sea surface height, and surface winds provide broad spatial coverage and regular extended time series that are unparalleled by in situ observing systems. These observations have demonstrated the rapid time-scales and large amplitude of ocean eddy variability, arguing against a strictly steady-state view of ocean circulation. Among other examples, they have provided new insights into the mean circulation and variability of western boundary currents and strong jet-like currents, allowing oceanographers to characterize the basic statistical structure, the meandering and the recirculation patterns associated with these currents. Altimeter sea surface height data have shown how equatorial circulation changes under El Niño conditions. Scatterometer wind data have proved particularly valuable in demonstrating how ocean circulation can change in response to fluctuating surface wind stress. Extended time series and new instruments now preparing for launch should enable continued improvements in our understanding of ocean circulation.
DE: 4512 Currents
DE: 4520 Eddies and mesoscale processes
DE: 4528 Fronts and jets
DE: 4532 General circulation (1218, 1222)
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005