On eddy-topographic stress representation

Abstract

A parameterization of eddy-topographic stress interactions has been proposed previously by Holloway, based on the statistical mechanical equilibria of unforced inviscid models. The parameterization includes simplifications of the statistical equilibria permitting a local implementation of these tendencies into coarse-resolution ocean models. The approximations involved in this parameterization are examined in simulations with an inviscid quasigeostrophic model with idealized topography representing a continental margin. Time-averaged flows are in qualitative agreement with the suggested pattern and are dominated by a large-scale cyclonic circulation along the basin margin. Results show that the parameterized equilibria can significantly overestimate the along-isobath transport due to neglect of the relative vorticity component of the potential vorticity. -Authors