Statistical Mechanics, Turbulence, and Ocean Currents,
Abstract
This paper examines the formulation, application and utility of certain ideas from equilibrium statistical mechanics to physical oceanography. In particular we discuss the connection of these ideas to selective decay (Minimum enstrophy) theories and to the production of nonlinearly stable states, as well as its limitations when dealing with forced-dissipative flows. A robust prediction of the theories discussed is the generation of mean flows around topography, which should be amenable to observational verification or falsification.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADP008749
Entities
People
- Geoffrey K. Vallis
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Cruz