Atmospheric Response to Ocean Mesoscale Eddies

We have tracked ocean mesoscale eddies (both cyclonic and anticyclonic) through geostrophic currents measured by spaceborne altimeters, complemented by the total surface currents measured by Lagrangian drifters and ocean general circulation models, and their manifestation as surface temperature anomalies. We found their signatures in the vertical profiles of temperature, vertical velocity, precipitation, and cloud formation in the atmosphere over mid-latitude ocean fronts. These signatures, their seasonal variations, and the extent of their vertical penetration above the atmospheric boundary layer will be presented as postulation of atmospheric thermodynamics.