The Dynamical Structure of a Warm Core Ring as Inferred from Glider Observations and Along-Track Altimetry

This study investigates the vertical structure of dynamical properties a warm-core ring in Gulf Mexico (Loop Current ring) using glider observations. We introduce new method to correct glider’s along-track coordinate, which is, general, biased by unsteady relative movements and eddy, yielding large errors on horizontal derivatives. Here, we take advantage synopticity satellite altimetry apply corrections position matching situ steric height with satellite-measured sea surface height. relocation allows recovering eddy’s azimuthal symmetry, precisely estimating rotation axis position, computing reliable It is shown be particularly appropriate compute cyclo-geostrophic velocity, vorticity, shear strain, are otherwise out reach when raw traveled distance as coordinate. The Ertel potential vorticity (PV) warm core studied details, show that PV anomaly entirely controlled vortex stretching. Sign reversal gradient across water column suggests might baroclinically unstable. also largely gradients stretching term. ring’s total energy partition strongly skewed, available being 3 times larger than kinetic energy. possible impact this Loop rings longevity discussed.