The observed relationship between dynamic ocean topography and ocean bottom pressure: characterizing Arctic Ocean circulation with complementary satellite tools

Following similar model investigations (Vinogradova et al., 2007; Bingham & Hughes, 2008), this study combines GRACE, satellite altimetry, and in-situ hydrographic measurements to relate dynamic ocean topography (DOT) to bottom pressure (OBP) purely through observations. With data spanning 2003-2016, the coherence between DOT and OBP can reveal the time and space scales on which the ocean behaves baroclinically versus barotropically. This relationship can also illustrate the effect that forcing fields and timescales have on the dynamics that distribute freshwater throughout the Arctic Ocean, linking large-scale atmospheric forcing such as the Arctic Oscillation index with regional ocean behavior. Because these satellite data fields cover the full Arctic Ocean, we will be able to expand our forcing discussion beyond traditionally well-sampled systems such as the Beaufort Gyre, and chart a course for future integrated applications of GRACE-FO and altimetry from ICESat-2.

References:

Bingham, R.J., Hughes, C.W., 2008. The relationship between sea-level and bottom pressure variability in an eddy permitting ocean model. Geophysical Research Letters 35. https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GL032662

Vinogradova, N.T., Ponte, R.M., Stammer, D., 2007. Relation between sea level and bottom pressure and the vertical dependence of oceanic variability. Geophysical Research Letters 34. https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL028588