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Filtering by: Creator Moffitt, H. R. Remove constraint Creator: Moffitt, H. R. Has journal sim Journal of Physical Oceanography Remove constraint Has journal sim: Journal of Physical Oceanography

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  • Time-Dependent Adjustment in a Simple Model of the Mid-Depth Meridional Overturning Cell

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    A recently proposed reduced-gravity model of the warm-water branch of the middepth meridional overturning circulation in a rectangular basin with a circumpolar connection is extended to include time dependence. The model describes the balance between gain of warm water through northward Ekman advection across the circumpolar current, loss of warm...
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    , y , yN 5 1. Figure and original caption text from Samelson (2009). 1010 J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I

  • Internal Boundary Layer Scaling in “Two Layer” Solutions of the Thermocline Equations

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    The diffusivity dependence of internal boundary layers in solutions of the continuously stratified, diffusive thermocline equations is revisited. If a solution exists that approaches a two-layer solution of the ideal thermocline equations in the limit of small vertical diffusivity kᵥ, it must contain an internal boundary layer that collapses to...
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    equations. Here, it is generally assumed that 2100 VOLUME 29J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A L O C E A N O

  • A Simple Dynamical Model of the Warm-Water Branch of the Middepth Meridional Overturning Cell

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    A reduced-gravity model is presented of the warm-water branch of the middepth meridional overturning circulation in a rectangular basin with a circumpolar connection. The model describes the balance between production of warm water by Ekman advection across the circumpolar current, dissipation of warm water by eddy fluxes southward across the...
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    : rsamelson@coas.oregonstate.edu 1216 J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A L O C E A N O G R A P H Y VOLUME 39

  • Geostrophic Circulation in a Rectangular Basin with a Circumpolar Connection

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    A simple theory is presented for steady geostrophic circulation of a stratified fluid in a rectangular basin with a circumpolar connection. The interior flow obeys the β-plane Sverdrup vorticity balance, and the circulation is closed by geostrophic boundary currents. The circulation is forced by surface thermal gradients and wind-driven Ekman...
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    transport; in 3176 VOLUME 29J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A L O C E A N O G R A P H Y FIG. 1. Model

  • Simple Mechanistic Models of Middepth Meridional Overturning

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    Two idealized, three-dimensional, analytical models of middepth meridional overturning in a basin with a Southern Hemisphere circumpolar connection are described. In the first, the overturning circulation can be understood as a “pump and valve” system, in which the wind forcing at the latitudes of the circumpolar connection is the pump...
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    phoc_34_904.2096_2103.tp 2096 VOLUME 34J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A

  • Large-Scale Circulation with Locally Enhanced Vertical Mixing

    Creator:
    Samelson, R. M.
    Abstract:
    The influence of localized regions of intensified vertical mixing on the stratification and circulation in a large-scale ocean model is investigated with idealized numerical experiments. Numerical solutions are obtained of a closed-basin, single-hemisphere ocean model based on the planetary geostrophic equations. Mesoscale eddy effects are minimized, and vertical mixing at...
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    28_302.712_726 712 VOLUME 28J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A L O C E A N

  • Turbulence Decay and Restratification in the Equatorial Ocean Surface Layer following Nighttime Convection

    Creator:
    Caldwell, D. R., Lien, R-C., Moum, J. N., and Gregg, M. C.
    Abstract:
    Although the process of restratification of the ocean surface layer at the equator following nighttime convection is similar in many ways to the process at midlatitudes, there are important differences. A composite day calculated from 15 days of consistent conditions at 140°W on the equator was compared with midlatitude observations...
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    1120 VOLUME 27J O U R N A L O F P H Y S I C A L O C E A N O G R A P H Y

  • Internal Waves, Dynamic Instabilities, and Turbulence in the Equatorial Thermocline: An Introduction to Three Papers in this Issue

    Creator:
    Moum, J. N., Hebert, D., Paulson, C. A., Caldwell, D. R., McPhaden, M. J., and Peters, H.
    Abstract:
    Appearing in this issue of the Journal of Physical Oceanography are three papers that present new observations of a distinct, narrow band, and diurnally varying signal in temperature records obtained in the low Richardson number shear flow above the core of the equatorial undercurrent. Moored data suggest that the intrinsic...
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  • On Vertically Propagating Coastal Kelvin Waves at Low Latitudes

    Creator:
    Romea, R. D. and Allen, J. S.
    Abstract:
    Vertically propagating coastal internal Kelvin waves (IKWs) forward by the alongshore component of the wind at the coast are studied, utilizing an ƒ-plane model of a continuously stratified ocean with a vertical eastern boundary. With an infinitely deep ocean, several initial value problems that illustrate the basic properties of the...
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    Article

  • Baroclinic Interleaving Instability: A Second-Moment Closure Approach

    Creator:
    Smyth, W. D., Burchard, H., and Umlauf, L.
    Abstract:
    Interleaving motions on a wide, baroclinic front are modeled using a second-moment closure to represent unresolved fluxes by turbulence and salt fingering. A linear perturbation analysis reveals two broad classes of unstable modes. First are scale-selective modes comparable with interleaving as observed in oceanic fronts. These correspond well with observations...
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    State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. E-mail: smyth@coas.oregonstate.edu 764 J O U R N A L O F P H Y