Modeling Studies of the Leeuwin Current using a High-Resolution Primitive Equation Model
Abstract
A primitive equation model is run to investigate generation and instability mechanisms in the Leeuwin Current. The current is generated by the model using a combination of density forcing from the climatological Indian Ocean thermal structure, the influx of warm low salinity water from the North West (NW) Shelf, and the climatological wind stress. The current thus generated is compared with observations taken during the LeeUwin Current Interdisciplinary Experiment (LUCIE). In the absence of the NW Shelf water, which corresponds to the austral spring and summer flow, wind forcing is dominant at the equatorward end of the domain and geostrophic flow, driven by the Indian Ocean thermal gradient dominates at the poleward end. This leads to a weak coastal upwelling regime with equatorward and offshore flow at the equatorward end. Further poleward, the stronger Indian Ocean forcing establishes a poleward surface current and equatorward undercurrent which accelerates poleward, into the prevailing wind. The inclusion of NW Shelf waters, typical of the austral fall and winter seasons, completely dominates the wind forcing at the equatorward end of the model. Keywords: Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA219595
Entities
People
- Martin J. Rutherford
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School