Wind-Driven Variability of the Subtropical North Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Abstract The Argo array provides a unique dataset to explore variability of the subsurface ocean interior. This study considers the subtropical North Pacific Ocean during the period from 2004 to 2011, when Argo coverage has been relatively complete in time and space. Two distinct patterns of Argo dynamic height transport function () are observed: in 2004/05, the gyre is stronger, and in 2008/09 it is weaker. The orientation of the subtropical gyre also shifts over time: the predominantly zonal major axis shifts to a more northwest–southeast orientation in 2004/05 and to a more southwest–northeast orientation in 2008/09. The limited temporal range of the Argo observations does not allow analysis of the correlation of ocean transport and wind forcing in the basin for the multiyear time scale (6–8-yr period) typical of the dominant gyre patterns. The meridional geostrophic transport anomaly between 180° and 150°E is computed both from Argo data (0–2000 db) and from the Sverdrup relation (using reanalysis winds): similarities are observed in a latitude–time plane, consistent with local forcing playing an important role. A forcing contribution from the eastern subtropics will also reach the region of interest, but on a longer time scale, and it is not analyzed in this study. Compared with the 8-yr Argo record, the longer 19-yr time series of satellite altimetry shows a similar but somewhat modified pattern of variability. A longer Argo record will be needed to observe the decadal-scale fluctuations, to separate interannual and decadal signals, and to ensure statistical confidence in relating the wind forcing and the oceanic response.