PHY-04 Cross-scale interactions: mesoscale and smaller
Relationship between vertical velocity structure and the characteristics of mesoscale eddies and their ecological effects
Ridong Zhang* , Second Institute of Oceanography, SOED.
Xiaohui Liu, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOED.
Tongya Liu, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOED.
Guijing Yang, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOED.
Mingshun Fan, Second Institute of Oceanography, SOED.

Mesoscale vortices are relatively small in spatial scale and have strong time variation, therefore the structure and the evolution of the vertical velocity over their life cycle are currently under-explored. It is known that the vertical velocity in the mesoscale eddies is related to the changes of vorticity advection, eddy-wind interaction, linear and nonlinear Ekman effects and Ekman pumping. Besides, it has complex structures which show a dipole and quadrupolar patterns. However, the understanding of the structures and the mechanism causing these patterns still need to be further explored. In this study, we analyze the vertical velocities of many eddies within different regions, scales, and life stages in a high-resolution (1/32°) model based on the MITgcm to build a profound understanding of the vertical velocity structure of the mesoscale eddies. Eddies mentioned above are then classified to explore the relationship between the structure of the vertical velocity and the their own characteristics. On this basis, we further explore the influence of the vertical transport caused by different structures on ecological elements such as phytoplankton.