High-concentration spiral chlorophyll bands (HSCBs) embedded in oceanic mesoscale eddies have recently been observed worldwide. They are considered to be the footprints of vortex Rossby waves (VRWs). Based on satellite observations and drifter data, we identified additional low-concentration spiral chlorophyll bands (LSCBs). The morphological and kinematic features of the LSCBs are similar to those of the HSCBs and align with the VRW theory. Both the HSCBs and LSCBs are predominantly found in areas of weak background flow and are more easily excited during the mature stage of the eddy. Further analysis showed that the formation of HSCBs (LSCBs) is probably associated with upward (downward) motions accompanied by horizontal divergence (convergence). Finally, it was found that strong background flows will significantly suppress VRWs (r≤−0.52) via disrupting their structure. This study improves our understanding of VRW dynamics in mesoscale eddies.
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