Loop Current and Eddy Circulation Studies

P.I: Prof Nan Walker

The Gulf Loop Current is one of the most dynamic ocean currents in the world. Frontal eddy cyclones, regions of vigorous upwelling, develop along its margin in association with current meanders, increasing current speeds and impacting flow even in 3000 m of water. At irregular intervals, large warm eddies separate from the Loop Current and move westward, dissipating over many months along the Texas and Mexican coasts. The Loop Current and its eddies are large reservoirs of heat that have the capability to intensify hurricanes and tropical storms crossing the Gulf. Using infrared measurements from the GOES-East satellite, a "cloud eraser" was developed that has enabled us to track and study the frontal eddy cyclones that move rapidly (35 km/day) around the margin of the Loop Current. More recently we have been integrating GOES sea surface temperature data with satellite sea surface height data (from Dr. Robert Leben, CCAR) to improve our capabilities for studying the complex eddy field in the Gulf. Our funding for this research comes mainly from the Minerals Management Service. Visit the SST/SSH image archives and animation page. Publications of interest include Walker et al. (2003), Walker et al. (2005) , and Walker et al. (2006).

Image Archives of Interest

Gulf of Mexico GOES SST/SSH products (daily, weekly and movie loops)