Characteristics and dynamics of the interannual eddy kinetic energy variation in the Western Equatorial Pacific Ocean

Abstract

The interannual variations of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean are investigated based on satellite observations and model outputs in this study. Results reveal that the EKE exhibits vigorous interannual variations, especially in the region of North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) and north of New Guinea, and the variations differ between the two types of El Niño events. The energy budget diagnosis indicates that the EKE variations are mainly attributed to the barotropic instability associated with the background currents. Specifically, the energetic NECC behaves northward shift and a stronger meander path, which favors the enhancement of EKE variations due to the enhanced barotropic instability. The interannual fluctuations of the strength of the New Guinea Coastal Current/Undercurrent (NGCC/NGCUC) and the eastward current along the equator contribute to the significant EKE interannual variations north of New Guinea. Further, the distinct features of EKE variations in two types of El Niño events are as follows: EKE typically weakens in the western equatorial Pacific during Eastern Pacific El Niño (EP-El Niño) events, whereas it intensifies north of New Guinea during Central Pacific El Niño (CP-El Niño) events. The opposite features north of New Guinea are attributed to the wind work and a stronger eastward current along the equator in CP-El Niño events. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the low-frequency eddy-mean flow interactions.