Retrieval of eddy dynamics from SMOS sea surface salinity measurements in the Algerian Basin (Mediterranean Sea). Issue 12 (24th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Isern‐Fontanet, Jordi; Olmedo, Estrella; Turiel, Antonio; Ballabrera‐Poy, Joaquim; García‐Ladona, Emilio
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 43:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 6427
• Page End: 6434
• Publication Date: 2016-06-24
• Subjects: sea surface salinity -- SMOS -- Mediterranean Sea -- Surface Quasi‐Geostrophy -- Algerian eddies; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: The circulation in the Algerian Basin is characterized by the presence of fresh‐core eddies that propagate along the coast or at distances between 100 and 200 km from the coast. Enhancements in the processing of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) data have allowed to produce, for the first time, satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) maps in the Mediterranean Sea that capture the signature of Algerian eddies. SMOS data can be used to track them for long periods of time, especially during winter. SMOS SSS maps are well correlated with in situ measurements although the former has a smaller dynamical range. Despite this limitation, SMOS SSS maps capture the key dynamics of Algerian eddies allowing to retrieve velocities from SSS with the correct sign of vorticity. Key Points: First time daily satellite maps of SSS are obtained in the Mediterranean Sea Satellite SSS maps derived from SMOS capture the signal of fresh‐core coastal eddies Use of satellite SSS maps allows to correctly retrieve the vorticity of Algerian eddies