The eddy field associated with the Azores Front east of the Mid- Atlantic Ridge as observed by the Geosat altimeter

Abstract

Two years of Geosat data for the Azores-Madeira region of the North Atlantic are analyzed. The objective is to study the eddy field associated with the terminal retroflection of the Azores current. The rms variability of sea level anomaly is 4 to 8 cm, with maximum values between 33° and 35°N being associated with the Azores current and located on its northern flank. Higher energy is observed during winter. Analysis of velocities at crossovers reveals anisotropy with the signature of meanders and/or eddies elongated in the north-south direction. -Authors