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.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
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Mar 31
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Jun 30
2026
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Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
