Analytical and numerical study of a barotropic eddy on a topographic slope

Abstract

Using the nondivergent barotropic equation on an f plane, the evolution of an eddy placed on a topographic slope is studied. The theoretical analysis is in two parts. First, using the linearized equations appropriate for weak eddies it is shown that the eddy will disperse into propagating coastally trapped waves. Second, using the conservation of potential vorticity, a theory is developed to describe the initial movement of the eddy. A set of numerical results that generally confirm the theoretical predictions is then described. Finally, the authors' model is compared with experimental results obtained by Carnevale and coauthors. -Authors