Lagrangian statistics in the central North Pacific

Lagrangian integral scales, diffusivities, dispersion and velocity spectra are calculated using surface drifter trajectories in the central North Paci fic. The meridional integral time scale is relatively homogeneous throughou t the region; a large increase in the zonal time and length scales south of Hawaii is attributed to meanders in the North Equatorial Current. Except i n this current, the initial dispersion is consistent with Taylor's Theorem. For lags of 20-120 days, the meridional dispersion can be modeled by a con stant eddy diffusivity. Shear in the mean zonal currents magnifies the zona l dispersion at long lags. In the Lagrangian spectra, the energetic eddy ba nd is at 3-20 days west of Hawaii, 10-40 days east and north of Hawaii. and 20-60 days in the North Equatorial Current. In the wake of Hawaii, energet ic lee vortices produce sharp peaks in the cyclonic and anticyclonic rotary spectra. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved.