Response of an Equatorial Ocean to a Periodic Monsoon

Author:
  • CWCarl Wunsch
    Carl Wunsch
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Abstract
An infinitely deep stratified ocean on a equatorial beta plane is forced with a periodic wind system. The resulting linearized motion is shown to result in a deep cellular flow structure in rough agreement with recent observations. Because of the infinite depth, the vertical structure is dependent only on the horizontal structure and frequency of the wind-forced layer. The motion is a mechanism for carrying momentum downward from the surface. A western boundary is easily accommodated. Abstract An infinitely deep stratified ocean on a equatorial beta plane is forced with a periodic wind system. The resulting linearized motion is shown to result in a deep cellular flow structure in rough agreement with recent observations. Because of the infinite depth, the vertical structure is dependent only on the horizontal structure and frequency of the wind-forced layer. The motion is a mechanism for carrying momentum downward from the surface. A western boundary is easily accommodated.