The theory of free inertial currents I.Path and structure
Open Access
- 1 May 1967
- journal article
- Published by Stockholm University Press in Tellus
- Vol. 19 (2) , 269-291
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2153-3490.1967.tb01482.x
Abstract
An equilibrium theory is developed for a flow which conserves potential vorticity and consists of a stream of high relative vorticity imbedded in a geostrophic drift. Effects of bottom topography stratification and variation of Coriolis parameter are included. Transformation is made to stream axis coordinates, and a multiple expansion is made appropriate to the many scales involved. The variety of paths pertaining to flow over a uniformly sloping bottom are studied numerically. Some cross-stream profiles are obtained consistent with overall divergence. A result of importance is that a baroclinic meandering jet necessarily exchanges mass with the open ocean, i.e. a standing geostrophic wave field is a feature of the equilibrium. The broadening and narrowing of the current is obtained. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1967.tb01482.xKeywords
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