The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Intense Vertical Velocities Driven by Mesoscale Eddies in the Kuroshio Extension
ID:135 Poster Presentation

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

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

Abstract
Mesoscale eddies are known to substantially modulate vertical exchanges of oceanic heat, salt, and nutrients, yet the dynamical processes underlying such exchanges and their impacts on vertical velocities remain poorly understood. Classical vertical-velocity diagnostic methods build upon density equation only consider self-evolution of mesoscale eddies while neglecting effects from large-scale background field. Here, we establish a comprehensive vertical-velocity diagnostic framework, which includes traditional tendency and self-advection terms of mesoscale eddies, alongside two eddy-flow interaction terms: advection of mesoscale density anomalies by large-scale flow and advection of large-scale density by mesoscale currents. Using GLORYS reanalysis and mooring observations, we quantify these terms in the Kuroshio Extension and find that the vertical velocity amplitudes induced by eddy-flow interactions are comparable to those arising from eddy tendency and self-advection. The diagnosed vertical velocities can reach magnitudes of O(100) m day⁻¹, resulting in significant vertical heat transport. These findings highlight that eddy-flow interactions exert critical controls on mesoscale‑associated vertical velocities and advance our understanding of ocean mesoscale dynamics.
Speaker
Yongtao Huang Sun Yat-senUniversity

Author
Yongtao Huang Sun Yat-senUniversity

    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