ocean eddies

Event Chains

Ocean eddies drive complex event chains within a global system through distinct events in time and space. To assess how small-scale ocean processes interact with the large-scale ocean circulation, the following hypotheses shall be addressed by MOSES event-driven field campaigns:

(1) Mesoscale and submesoscale eddies play an important role in transferring energy along the energy cascade from the large-scale circulation to dissipation at the molecular level.

(2) Mesoscale and submesoscale eddies are an important driver in determining onset, magnitude and characteristics of primary production in the ocean and contribute significantly to global primary production.

(3) Mesoscale and submesoscale eddies are important for shaping extreme biogeochemical environments (e.g. pH, oxygen) in the oceans, thus acting as a source/sink function for greenhouse gases.

event chains ocean eddies
Schematic diagram of event chain triggered by ocean eddies. Eddies are an important component in the ocean energy cascade linking the large-scale ocean circulation with turbulence. Mesoscale and submesoscale eddies are drivers for nutrient transport and marine productivity. They are therefore important for oxygen production, oxygen minimum zones, or the formation of greenhouse gases.