Future Changes in Eddy Kinetic Energy in the California Current System From Dynamically Downscaled Climate Projections

Eddies in the California Current System (CCS) are generated via baroclinic instabilities of upwelling jet and contribute to mesoscale variability. However, climate-induced changes activity CCS remain poorly explored. We present future eddy kinetic energy (EKE) from an ensemble three high-resolution downscaled ocean projections covering 1980–2100. EKE is projected increase throughout toward end century (2071–2100) compared a 1980–2010 reference period. Using measures upper stratification, we find increasing trend highly correlated with more stratified ocean. These findings support previous studies suggesting that modulated mainly by instabilities, rather than wind components, which did not show systematic change across projections. Enhanced could lead distribution aggregation biogenic material, having important implications for CCS.