Influence of Stratification and Yucatan Current Transport on the Loop Current Eddy Shedding Process

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The effects of stratification and Yucatan Current (YC) transport on the dynamics of the Loop Current (LC) and Loop Current Eddies (LCEs) are studied using a primitive equation, 2½ nonhomogeneous layered model, which reproduces the main dynamical features of the upper ocean circulation in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The analysis considers the observed variations in stratification and YC transport, and their expected changes due to climate change. The study is based on a set of long‐term simulations considering the combination of seven stratification configurations with seven transport configurations resulting in 49 cases. The LCE shedding period and diameter (LCE metrics) and kinetic energy, eddy kinetic energy, available potential energy, eddy available potential energy, and the energy Burger number (energy metrics) are analyzed. The stratification and transport contribute to the current and future LC and LCE variability, with their dynamics being more sensitive to transport variations than to stratification variations. The LCE detachment is associated with the increase in the mass of the LC and its available potential energy budget, which is a primary determinant for the LC and LCE dynamics and a condition for eddy shedding. For the expected changes due to climate change, the LCE response is contrary: larger stratification causes increments in the LCE metrics and energy metrics, except the energy Burger number that decreases; conversely, smaller transport causes the opposite response. A combined occurrence of increased stratification and reduced transport, as expected with climate change, causes decrements in the LCE metrics and energy in the GoM.
To understand the changes in the physical, chemical, biological, and economic processes that occur in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is necessary to study its ocean circulation. The Loop Current (LC) and the large eddies that detach from it, called Loop Current Eddies (LCEs), have been recognized as major components of the GoM circulation. Here we used a computational model of intermediate complexity to study the influence of stratification and transport of the Yucatan Current (YC) on the LC and LCEs, considering the current and future conditions under climate change. The future conditions, based on climate change scenarios, consider increased stratification and reduced YC transport. We found that stratification and YC transport significantly affect the LC and LCE behavior, but transport variations are dominant. The dynamics of the LCEs is highly correlated with the increase in the mass of the LC and its available potential energy budget. For the expected changes due to climate change, the LCE response is contrary: larger stratification causes increments in the shedding period and diameter of LCEs; conversely, smaller YC transport causes the opposite response. A combined occurrence of increased stratification and reduced YC transport causes decrements in the shedding period and diameter of LCEs.



The stratification and Yucatan Current transport contribute to the Loop Current System variability, but transport variations are dominant

The Loop Current Eddies dynamics is highly correlated with the increase in the Loop Current mass and its available potential energy budget

Decrements in the shedding period and diameter of the Loop Current Eddies and the energy in the gulf are expected because of climate change


The stratification and Yucatan Current transport contribute to the Loop Current System variability, but transport variations are dominant
The Loop Current Eddies dynamics is highly correlated with the increase in the Loop Current mass and its available potential energy budget
Decrements in the shedding period and diameter of the Loop Current Eddies and the energy in the gulf are expected because of climate change