Equatorial Upwelling Events in the Central Pacific

Abstract

Observations made during the Hawaii to Tahiti Shuttle Experiment allow the study of the time and space scales of equatorial upwelling. Individual upwelling events can be identified. Each is caused by a burst in the trade winds lasting from 10 to 20 days. Sea level drops, surface temperature decreases, and near-surface isotherms rise by several tens of meters. The vertical velocity of upwelling is at least 3 m per day. Five such upwelling events were observed during the 18-month experiment. Abstract Observations made during the Hawaii to Tahiti Shuttle Experiment allow the study of the time and space scales of equatorial upwelling. Individual upwelling events can be identified. Each is caused by a burst in the trade winds lasting from 10 to 20 days. Sea level drops, surface temperature decreases, and near-surface isotherms rise by several tens of meters. The vertical velocity of upwelling is at least 3 m per day. Five such upwelling events were observed during the 18-month experiment.