Dynamical Interpretation of Satellite-Sensed Thermal Features off Vancouver Island

Abstract

Two series of very high resolution thermal infrared satellite images, off Vancouver Island, are examined for evidence of baroclinic waves. A 1979 winter sequence of three images exhibits cold tongues, extending seaward from Vancouver Island, which have separations (wavelengths), northwest phase speeds and growth rates consistent with a model of baroclinically unstable waves. An earlier summer series of eight images displays no such propagation behavior, which may be due to upper layer thermal changes from solar insulation.