Large-scale eddy motion in the western Atlantic

摘要: Analysis of the current data gathered near Bermuda during period 1959–1960, shows, in terms a two-layer model, that 78% kinetic energy is barotropic mode. The theoretical linear response function for meridional velocity ocean subject to time-dependent zonal wind stress and bottom friction has broad-band structure at moderately low frequencies small distances from western coast. wavelengths this band fit observations, but theory underestimates amplitudes. Introduction baroclinicity form model produces little change periods shorter than fastest baroclinic free mode (250 days), it therefore fails explain large It suggested nonlinear interactions Gulf Stream are important these forced transients part dissipation mechanism Stream.