The General Circulation in the Gulf of Mexico as a Two-Layer Basin,
Abstract
The general circulation in the Gulf of Mexico is treated with two-layer ocean models. Scaling of vorticity equation for the upper layer with the motionless lower layer indicates that the inertia, horizontal eddy viscosity and wind-stress terms are unimportant compared with planetary vorticity and friction (proportional to velocity) terms for time scales longer than a few months and that a non-stationary motion like Loop Current may develop within a few weeks. Analytical solutions of the linearized transport vorticity equation with planetary vorticity and frictional terms are obtained by use of a Green function method for a rectangular, two-ports basin similar to the Gulf. An equation for change of the upper layer depth along a streamline is obtained from the integral relationships of the non-linear equations of motion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0729013
Entities
People
- Takashi Ichiye
Organizations
- Texas A&M University