Near-inertial wave interactions with mean flow and bottom topography near Caryn Seamount

Abstract

Velocity measurements near Caryn Seamount in the Sargasso Sea reveal intensified mean and near-inertial motions in the upper ocean. Embedded in a regional eastward flow is an anticyclonic eddy that appears to be tied to the topography. An energetic downward-propagating near-inertial wave packet is found at the eddy's base. This wave appears to be trapped in the eddy, undergoing critical-layer amplification as it tries to leave. Near the bottom, enhanced upgoing near-inertial wave energy is found within 1000 m of the top of the seamount.