Convection Processes in the Ocean-Laboratory and Theoretical Studies
Abstract
Laboratory studies and theory for three problems in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics were developed. In the first, buoyant flows driven by both differential heating and by imposing an inflow of salty water into water of lower salinity exhibit a number of features predicted by multiple equilibrium theory such as hysteresis and sensitivity to initial conditions. Present experiments also had an internal mixing coefficient which varied, and in some cases with small mixing time dependent and internal oscillation were found. No explanation for the oscillation mechanism exists. In the second problem, the boundary layers for rotating stratified fluids were observed and compared with linearized theory. In the third, localized currents upstream of a control section for rotating fluid revealed new and unexpected features which are best explained by westward intensification concepts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 06, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366928
Entities
People
- John A. Whitehead
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution