The Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Antarctic Polar Front

Abstract

A Sverdrup-type solution of the Circumpolar Current is constructed. It explains the southward shift of the current, but requires that the current is situated completely to the south of the maximal westerlies. The observations show, however, that winds and current almost coincide and that both, the wind belt and the current, show a shift to the south. A frictional model is used, which overcomes this discrepancy and allows the calculation of the transverse circulation of the current in full detail. The transverse circulation under different wind conditions is calculated and discussed and shows a strong dependence of the distribution and intensity of the various divergences and convergences on the wind. A new interpretation of the Antarctic Polar Front is given. It is regarded as a convergent or divergent phenomenon according to the wind conditions. © 1960 Deutsches Hydrographisches Institut.