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Observation of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai waves in the ocean

2011; Wiley; Volume: 138; Issue: 665 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/qj.968

1477-870X

Toshiaki Shinoda,

Ocean Waves and Remote Sensing

Abstract The structure and propagation of oceanic Yanai waves (also known as mixed Rossby–gravity waves) are investigated by analysis of satellite‐derived sea‐surface‐height (SSH) data. Significant spectral peaks along the dispersion curves of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai waves are identified by the wavenumber–frequency spectral analysis of SSH for the period 10–17 days. The spatial structure and propagation of these modes are described by an analysis of SSH time series filtered in the frequency–wavenumber domain that includes strong signals along the dispersion curves but excludes those of 17‐day tropical instability waves. The difference in meridional structure between the first and second baroclinic modes, which is consistent with theory, is evident. The slow eastward propagation of first and second baroclinic mode Yanai wave packets, which is consistent with the group velocity derived from theory, is also isolated from the SSH data. Year‐to‐year variability of Yanai wave activity is compared with that of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), showing a moderate correlation with ENSO Modoki. © Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.