Author(s)

G.E. Swaters

Abstract

A hybrid 3-layer quasi-geostrophic/planetary geostrophic (QG/PG) model is introduced to examine the baroclinic evolution and meridional flow of abyssal currents in a wind-driven, stratified and differentially-rotating basin with variable bottom topography. The model resolves mesoscale processes and allows for the formation of a wind driven surface intensified ocean circulation, with a poleward western boundary current, and a source driven equatorward flowing deep western boundary undercurrent. Baroclinic and barotropic instability within the surface intensified western boundary current, and baroclinic instability between the abyssal current and the overlying wind driven circulation, is resolved. The model allows for finite amplitu

Keywords