In this study, Argo trajectories and salinity fields are used to investigate if the JSOC also exists in nature. Utilizing the fact that the Argo floats are parked at ~1 km depth, it is investigated if their trajectories show evidence of pronounced poleward drift across the observed SAF. In the mid-latitude Southern Ocean, the magnitude of the meridional velocity at a depth of 1 km is generally less than 1 cm s-1. However, in the sector of 120E-150E where the jets are persistent and zonal, hence the JSOC is theoretically expected to exist, the meridional velocities calculated from the Argo trajectories reveal pronounced poleward motion across the SAF with magnitudes exceeding 2 cm s-1. To the north and south of the SAF core, ~2 degrees or more distant from it, the same Argo trajectories indicate much weaker meridional motions. This variation in meridional velocity across the SAF is consistent with the presence of the JSOC. The Argo salinity field provides additional support of the JSOC, because it shows a SAF-scale meridional structure consistent with sinking (rising) motion on the equatorward (poleward) flank of the SAF. These findings suggest that the JSOC is present not only in the eddy-resolving model but also in nature, at least in the Indo-western Pacific Southern Ocean.
- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner