Topographic Jetogenesis and Transitions in Straits and Along Continents
Abstract
When a low Rossby number barotropic flow accelerates in the laterally converging half of a strait, the local propagation speed of long topographic waves can be reduced to zero, thereby blocking or preventing the formation of a steady flow downstream from the strait. An inviscid longwave theory is presented for the new steady upstream and downstream states that evolve from the blocking wave. The enhanced inshore cyclonic vorticity extending far downstream suggests that topographic jetogenesis, rather than lateral eddy diffusion, in major ocean straits (e.g., Yucatan and Florida) may be important in generating or reforming boundary currents
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA269827
Entities
People
- Melvin E. Stern
Organizations
- Florida State University