Direct observational evidence of an oceanic dual kinetic energy cascade and its seasonality

Abstract

The ocean’s turbulent energy cycle has a paradox; large-scale eddies under the control of Earth’s rotation transfer kinetic energy (KE) to larger scales via an inverse cascade, while a transfer to smaller scales is needed for dissipation. It has been hypothesized, using simulations, that fronts, waves, and other turbulent structures can produce a forward cascade of KE toward dissipation scales. However, this forward cascade and its coexistence with the inverse cascade have never been observed. Here, we present the first evidence of a dual KE cascade in the ocean by analyzing in situ velocity measurements from surface drifters. Our results show that KE is injected at two dominant scales and transferred to both large and small scales, with the downscale flux dominating at scales smaller than ∼1 to 10 km. The cascade rates are modulated seasonally, with stronger KE injection and downscale transfer during winter.