Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

On the Linear Relationship between Loop Current Retreat Latitude and Eddy Separation Period

Alexis Lugo-Fernández Environmental Science Section, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, Gulf of Mexico Region, New Orleans, Louisiana

Search for other papers by Alexis Lugo-Fernández in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
and
Robert R. Leben Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Robert R. Leben in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Dec 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JPO4354.1
Page(s):
2778–2784
Restricted access

Abstract

A linear correlation exists between the retreat latitude of the Loop Current following eddy separation and the subsequent eddy separation period. This empirical relationship was first identified in satellite altimeter-derived Loop Current metrics. In this paper, a simple vorticity model of the Loop Current is used to provide a semitheoretical basis for this relationship. After suitable scaling approximations, the theory predicts that the LC separation period is a linear function of retreat latitude, which agrees well with altimeter-derived empirical results. Specifically, the predicted slope and y intercept agree to within 9% and 2%, respectively, with the altimetry-derived values.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Alexis Lugo-Fernández, Environmental Science Section (MS 5433), 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, New Orleans, LA 70123–2394. Email: alexis.lugo.fernandez@boemre.gov

Abstract

A linear correlation exists between the retreat latitude of the Loop Current following eddy separation and the subsequent eddy separation period. This empirical relationship was first identified in satellite altimeter-derived Loop Current metrics. In this paper, a simple vorticity model of the Loop Current is used to provide a semitheoretical basis for this relationship. After suitable scaling approximations, the theory predicts that the LC separation period is a linear function of retreat latitude, which agrees well with altimeter-derived empirical results. Specifically, the predicted slope and y intercept agree to within 9% and 2%, respectively, with the altimetry-derived values.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Alexis Lugo-Fernández, Environmental Science Section (MS 5433), 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, New Orleans, LA 70123–2394. Email: alexis.lugo.fernandez@boemre.gov

Save
Cover Journal of Physical Oceanography
Journal of Physical Oceanography

  • Badan, A., J. Candela, J. Sheinbaum, and J. Ochoa, 2005: Upper-layer circulation in the approaches to Yucatan Channel. Circulation in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations and Models, Geophys. Monogr., Vol. 161, Amer. Geophys. Union, 57–69.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Candela, J., J. Sheinbaum, J. Ochoa, A. Badan, and R. Leben, 2002: The potential vorticity flux through the Yucatan Channel and the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico. Geophys. Res. Lett., 29 , 2059–2062.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Candela, J., S. Tanahara, M. Crepon, B. Barnier, and J. Sheinbaum, 2003: Yucatan Channel flow: Observations versus CLIPPER ATL6 and MERCATOR PAM models. J. Geophys. Res., 108 , 3385. doi:10.1029/2003JC001961.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chérubin, L. M., Y. Morel, and E. P. Chassignet, 2006: Loop Current ring shedding: The formation of cyclones and the effect of topography. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 36 , 569–591.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cochrane, J. D., 1972: Separation of an anticyclone and subsequent developments in the Loop Current (1969). Contributions on the Physical Oceanography of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. II, L. R. A. Capurro and J. L. Reid, Eds., Gulf Publishing, 91–106.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Elliot, B. A., 1982: Anticyclonic rings in the Gulf of Mexico. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 12 , 1292–1309.

  • Hurlburt, H. E., and J. D. Thompson, 1980: A numerical study of Loop Current intrusions and eddy shedding. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 10 , 1611–1651.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Inoue, M., S. E. Welsh, L. J. Rouse Jr., and E. Weeks, 2008: Deepwater currents in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico: Observations at 25.5°N and 87°W. OCS Study MMS 2008-001, 95 pp. [Available online at http://www.gomr.boemre.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/4/4305.pdf].

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Laws, E., 1997: Mathematical Methods for Oceanographers: An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons, 343 pp.

  • Leben, R. R., 2005: Altimeter-derived Loop Current metrics. Circulation in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations and Models, Geophys. Monogr., Vol. 161, Amer. Geophys. Union, 181–201.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lewis, D. B., J. B. Adams, F. E. Shanks, and D. Szabo, 1991: The Loop Current experience: Ewing Bank 871. J. Pet. Technol., 43 , 1038–1044.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lugo-Fernández, A., 2007: Is the Loop Current a chaotic oscillator? J. Phys. Oceanogr., 37 , 1455–1469.

  • Lugo-Fernández, A., and A. Badan, 2007: On the vorticity cycle of the Loop Current. J. Mar. Res., 65 , 471–489.

  • Nowlin, W. D., and J. M. Hubertz, 1972: Contrasting summer circulation patterns for the eastern Gulf. Contributions on the Physical Oceanography of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. II, L. R. A. Capurro and J. L. Reid, Eds., Gulf Publishing, 119–137.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Oey, L-Y., H-C. Lee, and W. J. Schmitz, 2003: Effects of winds and Caribbean eddies on the Loop Current eddy shedding: A numerical model study. J. Geophys. Res., 108 , 3324. doi:10.1029/2002JC001698.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pedlosky, J., 1998: Ocean Circulation Theory. 2nd ed. Springer-Verlag, 453 pp.

  • Pichevin, T., and D. Nof, 1997: The momentum imbalance paradox. Tellus, 49A , 298–319.

  • Schmitz, W. J., 2005: Cyclones and westward propagation in the shedding of anticyclonic rings from the Loop Current. Circulation in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations and Models, Geophys. Monogr., Vol. 161, Amer. Geophys. Union, 241–261.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Shay, L. K., and E. W. Uhlhorn, 2006: Loop Current interactions during Hurricanes Isidore and Lilli. Proc. 27th Conf. on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, Monterey, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 3C.3.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sheinbaum, J., J. Candela, A. Badan, and J. Ochoa, 2002: Flow structure and transport in the Yucatan Channel. Geophys. Res. Lett., 29 , 1040. doi:10.1029/2001GL013990.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sturges, W., 2005: Deep-water exchange between the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Circulation in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations and Models, Geophys. Monogr., Vol. 161, Amer. Geophys. Union, 263–278.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sturges, W., and R. Leben, 2000: Frequency of ring separations from the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico: A revised estimate. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 30 , 1814–1818.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vukovich, F. M., 1995: An updated evaluation of the Loop Current eddy-shedding frequency. J. Geophys. Res., 100 , (C5). 8655–8659.

  • Vukovich, F. M., 2007: Climatology of ocean features in the Gulf of Mexico using satellite remote sensing data. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 37 , 689–707.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vukovich, F. M., and B. W. Crissman, 1986: Aspects of warm rings in the Gulf of Mexico. J. Geophys. Res., 91 , 2645–2660.

  • Welsh, S. E., M. Inoue, L. J. Rouse Jr., and E. Weeks, 2009: Observation of the deepwater manifestation of the Loop Current and Loop Current rings in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. OCS Study MMS 2009-050, 110 pp.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zavala-Hidalgo, J., S. L. Morey, and J. J. O’Brien, 2003: Cyclonic eddies northeast of the Campeche Bank from altimetry data. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 33 , 623–629.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 216 53 5
PDF Downloads 121 31 6