Ocean Eddies in the Drake Passage: Decoding Their Three-Dimensional Structure and Evolution

The Drake Passage is known for its abundant mesoscale eddies, but little about their three-dimensional characteristics, which hinders our understanding of impact on eddy-induced transport and deep-sea circulation. A 10-year study was conducted using GLORYS12 Mercator Ocean reanalysis data from 2009 to 2018. analyzed the statistical characteristics eddies in Passage, spanning surface down a depth 2000 m three dimensions. findings indicate that mean radius 35.5 km, with lifespan 12.3 weeks vorticity 2.2 × 10−5 s−1. are most active energetic near main fronts propagate north-eastward at an average distance 97.8 km. eddy parameters vary water depth, more anticyclones detected 400 m, displaying larger longer propagation distance. Cyclones have lifespans greater vorticity. However, beyond there not much difference between cyclones. Approximately 23.3% reach tending penetrate deeper. come different shapes, bowl-shaped (52.7%), lens-shaped (27.1%) cone-shaped (20.2%). They exhibit annual monthly distribution patterns. Due high latitude location, has strong rotation weak stratification, resulting generation small deep-reaching eddies. These contribute formation Antarctic intermediate lead modulation turbulent dissipation.