Surface energy fluxes of the South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Fluxes of sensible, latent and radiational energy and momentum across the surface of the South Atlantic Ocean have been calculated by substituting ship meteorological observations into bulk aerodynamic and empirical radiation equations. Upper-air measurements of humidity and temperature have been used to supplement the surface empirical infrared radiation formula. Summations of total heat flux show that the cold South Atlantic gains 4.7 X 1014 W, while the warm North Atlantic loses 6.6 X 1014W. Oceanographic calculations based on currents and temperatures indicate that a net of 5.4 x 1014 W are transported across the equator from south to north. -from Author