TY - JOUR T1 - Self-similarity of the meddy family in the eastern north-atlantic A1 - Shapiro,Gi A1 - Zenk,W A1 - Meschanov,Sl A1 - Tokos,Kls AD - CHRISTIAN ALBRECHTS UNIV KIEL,INST MEERESKUNDE,D-24105 KIEL,GERMANY UR - https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00097/20779/ N2 - In this study we analyze two groups of Mediterranean salt lenses: ''mid-life'' lenses, typically 1-2 years old, observed in the Canary Basin, and younger Meddies from the Iberian Basin. In contrast to turbulent features, vortex lenses have a clear coherent structure in the temperature and salinity fields. This physical property supports the hypothesis that a mathematical description with only a few degrees of freedom may exist. We use nonlinear transformation of variables to find a unique function describing vertical profiles at different locations inside the lens. When this function is found, its existence is considered as ''self-similarity'' of the lens structure. We also found a common function that describes each group of Meddy, Canary and Iberian, and noted a remarkable difference between the groups. A possible reason for this result might lie in the difference in lens age. Iberian lenses are in a more juvenile state and may go through adjustment transformations before turning into more stable mid-life vortices. The developed parameterization is used to calculate radii and integral heat and salt contents of Meddles. Y1 - 1995 PB - Gauthier-Villars JF - Oceanologica Acta SN - 0399-1784 VL - 18 IS - 1 SP - 29 EP - 42 ID - 20779 ER -