Ocean circulation variations associated with the Antarctic circumpolar wave

Altimeter data analysis indicates persistent sea surface height (SSH) anomalies propagating eastward about the Antarctic continent. The spatial and temporal characteristics match variations in the atmosphere and sea surface temperature (SST) that are associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave (ACW). During the observation time period, the SSH appears quasiperiodic with a dominant 4 year period and 180 degrees longitude wavelength. Thus, the SSH signature of the ACW appears as two anomalies on opposite sides of the Antarctic continent propagating eastward at 10 cm/s. The SSH response to observed wind forcing agrees in terms of amplitude and phase with simple quasigeostrophic dynamics.