The Energetics of Centrifugal Instability

• DOI: 10.1175/jpo-d-14-0064.1
• Publication Date: 2015-04-01T18:32:09Z
• Authors: Yang Jiao; W. K. Dewar
• Keywords: Diabatic; Energetics; Boundary current; Internal tide; Vertical mixing; Mean flow

Abstract It has been shown recently that the California Undercurrent (CUC), and possibly poleward eastern boundary currents in general, generate mixing events through centrifugal instability (CI). Conditions favorable for CI are created by strong horizontal shears developed turbulent bottom layers of flowing direction topographic waves. At points abrupt change, like promontories capes, coastal current separates from injects gravitationally stable but dynamically unstable flow into interior. The resulting finite-amplitude development involves overturnings diabatic mixing. purpose this study is to examine energetics order characterize it as done other instabilities develop a framework which estimate its regional global impacts. This argues very efficient at approaches what thought be maximum efficiency flows. authors 10% initial energy CUC-like lost either local or generation unbalanced latter probably leads nonlocal Thus, an effective process balanced spent neighboring water masses. regionally important less significance given specificity.