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Eddy fluxes and topography in stratified quasi-geostrophic models

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 1999

WILLIAM J. MERRYFIELD
Affiliation:
Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4B2, Canada
GREG HOLLOWAY
Affiliation:
Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4B2, Canada

Abstract

Turbulent stratified flow over topography is studied using layered quasi-geostrophic models. Mean flows develop under random forcing, with lower-layer mean stream-function positively correlated with topography. When friction is sufficiently small, upper-layer mean flow is weaker than, but otherwise resembles, lower-layer mean flow. When lower-layer friction is larger, upper-layer mean flow reverses and can exceed lower-layer mean flow in strength. The mean interface between layers is domed over topographic elevations. Eddy fluxes of potential vorticity and layer thickness act in the sense of driving the flow toward higher entropy. Such behaviour contradicts usual eddy parameterizations, to which modifications are suggested.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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