A Simple Model for Deep Equatorial Zonal Currents Forced at Lateral Boundaries

Abstract

Deep lateral boundary processes (e.g., western boundary currents) are hypothesized as an alternative energy source exciting the equatorial wave guide at long time scales. A linear, continuously stratified model is used to study the equatorial zonal currents generated by a time dependent, short vertical scale deep zonal jet located at the meridional walls and centered at the equator. Examples of solutions with periodic, transient and spectral forcing are presented. For low frequency forcing at the western or eastern boundaries, energy travels from the source along ray paths associated with Kelvin and long Rossby waves, respectively. Linearly damped solutions look similar in both cases ASFA 2: Ocean Technology, Policy and Non Living Resources (Q2) 2184881 ---------------------------------------------------------------...