Seasonality of Submesoscale Vertical Heat Transport Modulated by Oceanic Mesoscale Eddies in the Kuroshio Extension

Abstract

Energetic mesoscale eddies are often accompanied by strong submesoscale variability, which plays a significant role in connecting mesoscale and turbulent motions in the ocean and leads to strong vertical motions. The product of a high-resolution (1/48°) oceanic numerical model, the LLC4320, is employed to investigate the seasonal variations of vertical heat transport induced by submesoscale processes within multiple mesoscale eddies in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) region. In different seasons, the submesoscale vertical heat transport exhibits a consistent upward pattern, with notably higher magnitudes observed during winter. In winter, the maxima value of submesoscale vertical heat flux (SVHF) can account for approximately 60% of the total vertical heat flux (VHF). This is equivalent to the average net sea surface heat flux in a single eddy region. In summer and autumn, the maxima absolute value of submesoscale vertical heat flux can account for approximately 30% of the total VHF. Energy analysis reveals that baroclinic instability associated with vertical buoyancy flux has a crucial effect on generating submesoscale processes within the eddy region. The submesoscale motions are influenced by the mixed layer instability, strain-induced frontogenesis, turbulent thermal wind and turbulent thermal wind-induced frontogenesis within the upper mixed layer, while they are largely associated with the strain-induced frontogenesis in the ocean interior. Furthermore, the upward low-frequency submesoscale vertical heat transport is generated by submesoscale secondary circulation at eddy peripheries.