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Linear theory of rotating stratified fluid motions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2006

V. Barcilon  and
J. Pedlosky
V. Barcilon
Affiliation:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
J. Pedlosky
Affiliation:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Abstract

A linear theory for steady motions in a rotating stratified fluid is presented, valid under the assumption that ε < E, where ε and E are respectively the Rossby and Ekman numbers. The fact that the stable stratification inhibits vertical motions has important consequences and many features of the dynamics of homogeneous rotating fluids are no longer present. For instance, in addition to the absence of the Taylor-Proudman constraint, it is found that Ekman layer suction no longer controls the interior dynamics. In fact, the Ekman layers themselves are frequently absent. Furthermore, the vertical Stewartson boundary layers are replaced by a new kind of boundary layer whose structure is characteristic of rotating stratified fluids. The interior dynamics are found to be controlled by dissipative processes.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , 18 July 1967 , pp. 1 - 16
Copyright
© 1967 Cambridge University Press

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References

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