Events of equatorward translation of the Vitoria Eddy

The Vitoria Eddy (VE) is a cyclone in the Brazil Current (BC) formed immediately to the south of the Vitoria–Trindade Ridge. Using altimetric derived SSH and outputs of a regional ocean model, we show evidences that once the VE is shed from a BC meander, if it is not reabsorbed, it follows a northward path crossing the Vitoria–Trindade Ridge. In all observed events of equatorward translation, the VE interacts with the anticyclonic Abrolhos Eddy (AE) centered about 19°S–37°W. Depending on the strength of the AE, the VE can take one of two different paths: one orbiting the AE and the other tight to the bathymetric lines. During the entire translation, the AE is under the influence of the equatorward intermediate flow of the Intermediate Western Boundary Current/North Brazil Undercurrent system, a key factor for its equatorward translation.

• Six events of equatorward translation of the VE were detected by altimetry.
• Three equatorward translation events were well reproduced by numerics.
• The VE shedding from BC is due to interaction of two anticyclonic features.
• The detached VE orbits an anticyclone centered at 19°S named Abrolhos Eddy (AE).
• The NBUC equatorward flow is part of the offshore side of the AE.