CONCURRENT ALTIMETER AND INFRARED OBSERVATIONS OF ROSSBY-WAVE PROPAGATION NEAR 34-DEGREES-N IN THE NORTHEAST ATLANTIC

We present observations of long-wavelength baroclinic Rossby waves nea r 34 degrees N in the Northeast Atlantic ocean (east of the Mid-Atlant ic Ridge) using both TOPEX/POSEIDON sea surface height (SSH) altimeter data and ERS-1 Along-Track Scanning Radiometer sea surface temperatur e (SST) measurements. Using the Fourier transforms of longitude-time d iagrams of the zonal gradients of SST and SSH we locate the spectral c omponents corresponding to westward wave propagation and estimate wave length, period and propagation speed. The energy associated with the p ropagating waves in that region is distinctly higher than in the surro unding areas. The similarities between the properties of the SST and S SH zonal gradients are remarkable with the same propagating signals cl early observed in both fields. It is believed that the interaction bet ween the Rossby waves and the Azores current could play a major role i n the amplification of the waves themselves.