The Available Potential Energy in a Compressible Ocean

摘要: Available pot ential energy (APE) in a compressible ocean is defined as the sum of available gravitational ent ial (AGPE) and int ern al (AIE ). It shown that AGPE 40 t imes larg er than calculate d from radit ional quasi-geostrophic approximation. In addition, there also large amount AIE. The major sources are due to sur face cooling vert ical mixing interior. Cooling at high latitude leads decrease AlE an increase AGPE, thus induces maj or transformation ocean. comparison, role played by haline forcin g minor.