The subinertial mixed layer approximation

Abstract

Develops a set of approximate dynamics describing the subinertial motions in a vertically homogeneous and rapidly rotating layer of fluid with a free lower boundary. This is a very idealized model of the ocean mixed layer (ML). The simplified equations of motion, called the subinertial mixed layer (SML) approximation, are obtained by applying standard "filtering' arguments to the primitive equations. The analysis, and the resulting approximate dynamics, is similar to the quasigeostrophic set. -from Author