Interannual variability of sub-mesoscale eddy distribution and characteristics along Rottnest Continental Shelf, Western Australia: Response to Leeuwin Current variability

In the eastern margin of the Indian Ocean, anomalous poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current (LC) interacts with the local circulation and topographic features along its path promoting instabilities and a highly energetic eddy field. Eddies play a major role on transferring physical and biogeochemical properties over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. In particular, sub-mesoscale eddies (SME) are believed to intensify vertical fluxes and are crucial for energy transport. However, as continuous high spatial and temporal resolution data are essential for SME characterization due to their short lifespans and length scale, they are still poorly understood. Thus, this research aims to analyse the spatiotemporal variability of sub-mesoscale eddies distribution and characteristics as a response of LC dynamics along the Rottnest Continental Shelf (ROT). We applied an eddy detection and tracking algorithm to long-term (2010-2018) surface current observations obtained using High-Frequency Radar. LC interactions with the Capes Current and offshore eddies promoted zones with high horizontal shear that were linked to SME generation regions. Counter-clockwise (AC) and clockwise (C) SME were prevalent at the eastern and western boundaries of the LC, respectively, remaining close to their generation spots with 25-50h lifespans. Most of AC (C) SME were formed in August (September). AC eddies generation hotspots migrated meridionally with season, whilst C eddies were clustered in a preferential location, but migrated counter-clockwise over the seasons. The analysis of the long-time series provided detailed information of the generation and lifespans of sub-meso scale eddies and their variability in time in the study region.
The 28th IUGG General Assembly (IUGG2023) (Berlin 2023)