A THEORY OF COASTAL UPWELLING BASED ON A TWO-LAYER OCEAN MODEL AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN,
Abstract
Linearized equations of motion and continuity in a two- layer, beta-plane ocean for transient motion to the wind system are separated into barotropic and baroclinic modes with time scales between inertia period to about 100 days. When there is a meridional boundary, a (Kelvin) wave propagating poleward along the eastern coast is possible above the maximum frequency for the planetary (Rossby) wave in an open ocean. The amplitude of the Kelvin wave decreases exponentially from the coast. A periodic, northerly, uniform wind stress causes the upward displacement of the interface only within 100 km from the coast, the start of which has a time lag over a quarter of period after the onset of the wind. The wind system of synoptic scales excites either the planetary or the Kelvin waves of baroclinic mode according to larger or smaller time and space scales. The disturbances of the interface due to the planetary wave move westward, whereas those due to the Kelvin wave propagate poleward. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0701333
Entities
People
- Takashi Ichiye
Organizations
- Texas A&M University