Observing the Galápagos–EUC Interaction: Insights and Challenges Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Abstract; Although sustained observations yield a description of the mean equatorial current system from the western Pacific to the eastern terminus of the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) array, a comprehensive observational dataset suitable for describing the structure and pathways of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) east of 95°W does not exist and therefore climate models are unconstrained in a region that plays a critical role in ocean–atmosphere coupling. Furthermore, ocean models suggest that the interaction between the EUC and the Galápagos Islands (∼92°W) has a striking effect on the basic state and coupled variability of the tropical Pacific. To this end, the authors interpret historical measurements beginning with those made in conjunction with the discovery of the Pacific EUC in the 1950s, analyze velocity measurements from an equatorial TAO mooring at 85°W, and analyze a new dataset from archived shipboard ADCP measurements. Together, the observations yield a possible composite description of the EUC structure and pathways in the eastern equatorial Pacific that may be useful for model validation and guiding future observation.

publication date

  • December 1, 2010

has restriction

  • bronze

Date in CU Experts

  • November 12, 2015 7:05 AM

Full Author List

  • Karnauskas KB; Murtugudde R; Busalacchi AJ

author count

  • 3

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-3670

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1520-0485

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 2768

end page

  • 2777

volume

  • 40

issue

  • 12