3-Dimensional structure of Loop Current eddies using surface information

The transfer of energy in the ocean is a three-dimensional process. With the advent of satellite altimetry and autonomous vehicles such as gliders and Argo, the collection of surface and subsurface information has improved considerably in the last decade. However, we still face the challenges of sparse observations. In this study we present the Gravest Empirical Modes (GEM), a statistical technique that uses satellite fields of Sea Surface Height (SSH) to infer the three-dimensional structure of Loop Current (LC) eddies in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The GEM technique takes advantage of the close relationship between dynamic height and temperature and salinity to produce thermohaline profiles in different regions of the GoM. We provide comparison with in-situ data from gliders and Argo profilers and future avenues to improve the skill of the GEM to infer the 3-D structure of LC eddies.