Eddies Along a Gulf Stream Boundary Viewed from a Very High Resolution Radiometer

Abstract

Pronounced eddies along the western edge of the Gulf Stream were observed by the Very High Resolution Radiometer aboard the NOAA-2 satellite. Similar eddies were seen on one previous occasion. In each case, there was an apparent relationship between the occurrence of the eddies and strong westerly winds. These eddies can also be attributed to the bottom topography of the region and the baroclinic instability along the Gulf Stream boundary.