The resonant response of interannual baroclinic Rossby waves to wind forcing in the eastern midlatitude North Pacific.

Abstract

Discusses how interannual baroclinic Rossby waves contribute to mesoscale variability in the thermocline structure in the eastern mid -latitude North Pacific. Uses two data sets, a 300 m temperature field and corresponding wind stress curl field. Presents calculated mesoscale anomalies. Compares these with results from the wind driven baroclinic nondispersive Rossby wave model, with emphasis on resonant action with the wind stress curl. Discusses statistical and phase agreement of model with the data, and examines the direction of wave propagation. Notes that in the real ocean off-resonant response is much larger than in the model. (C.J.U.)