The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Evolution of SST Imprints in Mesoscale Eddies Amplifies Eddy-Induced Net Turbulent Heat Flux
ID:134 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 20:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 38 - Oceanic (Sub)mesoscale Processes and Their Climate Impacts

Abstract
Mesoscale eddies are major regulators of air-sea heat exchange, yet their climatic impact has been assessed mainly through changes in eddy frequency or amplitude, implicitly assuming that the spatial organization of eddy-induced thermal anomalies is of secondary importance. Here, using 26 years of satellite observations, we show that global eddy-induced sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) have shifted toward more coherent, monopole-like structures. This change corresponds to increases of approximately 4% per decade in the SSTA structure index and 7% per decade in the efficiency with which mesoscale turbulent heat-flux anomalies contribute to net eddy-scale air-sea exchange. By reducing cancellation within eddy footprints, the structural shift is also reflected in the eddy-integrated heat-flux contribution, as enhanced positive contributions from anticyclones and enhanced negative contributions from cyclones. A physics-guided attribution analysis links this structural change to strengthened background SST gradients, enhanced eddy trapping, and weakened relative air-sea thermal damping, particularly in western boundary current systems and the Southern Ocean. These results reveal a previously underappreciated, structure-dependent pathway through which mesoscale eddies modulate and amplify eddy-core turbulent heat-flux contribution.
Speaker
Gengbin Liu Southern University of Science and Technology

Author
Gengbin Liu Southern University of Science and Technology

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027