Energetics of a Southeastern Pacific cut‐off low

Abstract

Abstract The occurrence of cut‐off lows ( COLs ) over South Pacific can be seen on different synoptic maps and on satellite imageries. However, the formation and maintenance mechanisms of the COLs are not well understood. An energetics analysis of a COL case through the eddy kinetic energy ( EKE ) equation is the aim of this study. The main terms analysed were ageostrophic flux convergence ( AFC ), baroclinic ( BRC ) and barotropic ( BRT ) conversions. This analysis shows that the formation mechanism of the COL was associated with BRC ( COL western side) and AFC ( COL eastern side). After the maximum intensity period, the BRC term was negative and the AFC positive.