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Thermal advection in the tropical Atlantic upper layer

  • Thermohydrodynamics of the Ocean
  • Published:
Physical Oceanography

Abstract

This paper focuses on the heat advection calculated for the tropical Atlantic upper mixed layer and a 0–200 m layer, using two different methods, specifically, (i) from the change in the heat content and the external heat balances and (ii) on the basis of the flows and horizontal seawater temperature gradients prescribed. Thermal advection in the upper mixed layer, in terms of its geographical distribution and the order of magnitude, coincides with that of the 0–200 m layer. This allows the deduction that basically the heat in the tropical Atlantic is transferred within the upper mixed layer. Seasonal variations of the heat advection prove to be appreciable; the annual course is well approximated by two principal waves, one having annual and the other semi-annual cyclicity, with the annual wave being predominant. Both waves reproduce 90% of the dispersion of monthly thermal advection.

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Authors
  1. V. F. Sukhovey
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  2. T. Camara
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Additional information

Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.

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Sukhovey, V.F., Camara, T. Thermal advection in the tropical Atlantic upper layer. Phys. Oceanogr. 6, 399–410 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02197465

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02197465

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