Response of an Equatorial Ocean to a Periodic Monsoon

Carl Wunsch Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139

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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.

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