Also, depending on the strength of the upwelling, the sea-surface temperatures can be colder than what otherwise might be expected. Eddies, independent circulations or rings of cold or warm water, are another feature of SST analysis. They form along major current boundaries and are most prevalent in the western portions of the oceans. For example, warm eddies form on the north side of the Gulf Stream and drift into the colder waters of the Labrador current. The warm eddies maintain a clockwise rotation.
Cold eddies form on the south side of the Gulf Stream.
They maintain a counter-clockwise circulation. The changes that take place in SST patterns can primarily be attributed to the advection of cold or warm water brought about by the wind. Integrated Publishing's Official Web Page Click here for a current index of everything on this web site. All Rights Reserved.