Abstract Mesoscale eddy currents influence ocean surface waves, but their imprints on wave height remain poorly described by observations. Here, we examine significant wave height (SWH) variations associated with more than 42,000 mesoscale eddies in the Southern Ocean using along‐track Jason‐3 altimeter measurements. Altimeter composites reveal a pronounced meridional dipole, with reduced SWH where wave propagation aligns with eddy currents and enhanced SWH on the opposing side. Typical eddies (radius ∼45 km, geostrophic velocity anomalies ∼0.15 m s−1) are associated with SWH anomalies of ∼5 cm. Reanalysis data and idealized simulations further suggest that eddy‐related wind anomalies, the relative wind effect and direct current effects all contribute to the observed SWH patterns, with refraction playing a key role. These results highlight the role of mesoscale currents in redistributing wave energy and shaping the spatial distribution of wave height.
Last updated: April 12, 2026 10:28 AM
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