  We propose an image encryption scheme based on quasi-resonant Rossby/drift
wave triads (related to elliptic surfaces) and Mordell elliptic curves (MECs).
By defining a total order on quasi-resonant triads, at a first stage we
construct quasi-resonant triads using auxiliary parameters of elliptic surfaces
in order to generate pseudo-random numbers. At a second stage, we employ an MEC
to construct a dynamic substitution box (S-box) for the plain image. The
generated pseudo-random numbers and S-box are used to provide diffusion and
confusion, respectively, in the tested image. We test the proposed scheme
against well-known attacks by encrypting all gray images taken from the
USC-SIPI image database. Our experimental results indicate the high security of
the newly developed scheme. Finally, via extensive comparisons we show that the
new scheme outperforms other popular schemes.
