The observed signature of mesoscale eddies in sea surface temperature and the associated heat transport

► Evaluation of microwave sea surface temperature (SST) along nonlinear eddy tracks. ► Propagating eddies have systematic signatures in SST, even in quiet ocean interiors. ► Eddy SST signatures show a westward phase shift, even over Gulf-Stream and ACC. ► Mixed-layer eddy heat transports are primarily driven by localized eddy “swirl”. ► Eddy SST signatures vary by region and are key in setting eddy heat diffusivities.