How Much Energy Propagates Vertically in the Equatorial Oceans?

Abstract

Natl. Cent. Atmos. Res., Boulder, CO 80307, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) Vertically propagating linear wave calculations using realistic equatorial buoyancy profiles are presented. The percentages vary widely depending upon the buoyancy profile and the equivalent depth but can be as low as 10% on average for equivalent depths between 1 cm and 1 m if the thermocline is sharp. This means that models with constant or weak thermocline buoyancy profiles, are very unrealistic in this respect. Another conclusion is that the observed, very low-frequency, small vertical-scale deep jets cannot be explained by linear wave theory as caused by surface forcing Ocean Technology, Policy and Non Living Resources (Q2) 1046360 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Record 136 of 1156 - ASFA 1978-1987