Circular Asymmetry of Ocean Mesoscale Eddy

Abstract

Abstract In the global ocean, mesoscale eddies frequently deviate from a circular shape [circular asymmetry (CA)]. On average, anticyclonic eddies display slightly larger asymmetry than that of cyclonic eddies. Both types of eddies exhibit larger asymmetry during the periods of generation and extinction and smaller asymmetry during the intermediate periods. CA’s spatial distribution is dominantly controlled by the eddy’s rotational speed, radius, meridional displacement, and the background oceanic circulation. A decrease in rotational speed, an increase in radius, moving poleward (toward the equator), and/or moving into regions with smaller (larger) mean dynamic topography can enhance the asymmetry of anticyclonic (cyclonic) eddies. A weak advective nonlinearity of the eddy, represented by the ratio of the eddy’s rotational speed to its translation speed, also helps to enhance the asymmetry. Eddy with an asymmetric structure may be important for marine mixing processes. Significance Statement Mesoscale eddies are often assumed to be circular and symmetric. However, global observations reveal that eddies frequently diverge from a circular shape, displaying circular asymmetry (CA). The asymmetric structure of eddy is poorly investigated in the global ocean, especially in regions close to the strong oceanic currents. This study reported the evolution of eddy’s asymmetric structure and its spatial distribution. Statistical results show that CA is dominantly controlled by the eddy’s rotational speed, radius, meridional displacement, and the background oceanic circulation. This study provides a new perspective on the evolution of eddy’s structure and may be important in oceanic mixing.