Oceanic Mesoscale Cyclones Cluster Surface Lagrangian Material

An asymmetry in the clustering of oceanic surface material has been observed at submesoscales. Energetic and ephemeral submesoscale cyclonic fronts are associated with convergence zones, hence cluster material. Their anticyclonic counterparts do not feature such an effect. Yet, mesoscale, literature contradictory about asymmetry. Here, we combine drifter trajectories altimetry-derived mesoscale eddy database North Atlantic to show that cyclones contain 24% more drifters than anticyclones. A numerical Lagrangian experiment using a mesoscale-resolving model quantitatively reproduces observational results. It reveals particles preferentially regions, both eddies. The further suggests ageostrophic concentrate few days before formation detection.