TY - JOUR
T1 - On the stability of oceanic vortices
T2 - A solution to the problem?
AU - Benilov, Eugene S.
PY - 2005/7
Y1 - 2005/7
N2 - This paper attempts to resolve the long-standing contradiction between the observed longevity of oceanic vortices and their theoretical instability. Using the model of quasigeostrophic, two-layer ocean, we show that a vortex in the upper layer can be stabilised by a circulation in the lower layer, such that the potential vorticity (PV) there is uniform. It is also argued that the assumption of uniform PV in the 'passive' layer corresponds to the fact that most oceanic vortices are shed by frontal currents and are alien to the well-mixed water masses around them.
AB - This paper attempts to resolve the long-standing contradiction between the observed longevity of oceanic vortices and their theoretical instability. Using the model of quasigeostrophic, two-layer ocean, we show that a vortex in the upper layer can be stabilised by a circulation in the lower layer, such that the potential vorticity (PV) there is uniform. It is also argued that the assumption of uniform PV in the 'passive' layer corresponds to the fact that most oceanic vortices are shed by frontal currents and are alien to the well-mixed water masses around them.
KW - Oceanic vortices
KW - Potential vorticity
KW - Stability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=20444503934&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.dynatmoce.2004.10.017
DO - 10.1016/j.dynatmoce.2004.10.017
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:20444503934
SN - 0377-0265
VL - 40
SP - 133
EP - 149
JO - Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans
JF - Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans
IS - 3 SPEC. ISS.
ER -