On the Rossby Radius of Deformation in the Ocean

Abstract

Israel Inst. Biol. Res., Dep. Mathe., Ness-Ziona, 70450, Israel ISSN 0022-3670 J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) An analytical model is used to study the parameters which mainly influence the internal Rossby radius of deformation Ro, in the ocean. It is shown that Ro is proportional to N sub(0) (the value of Vaeisaelae frequency N, near its maximum) and the scale height 1/b sub(0) which is the e-folding depth of N in the upper ocean. The ocean depth has only a minor influence on Ro. From the data of Emery et al. it seems that N sub(0) increases towards the equator and 1/b sub(0) achieves its maximum in the middle latitudes; so the increase of Ro towards the equator is due to the increase of 1/f and N sub(0); the variation of 1/b sub(0) inhibits this growth. The horizontal fluctuation in Ro is explained by horizontal variations of N sub(0) and 1/b sub(0). The seasonal variation observed in N sub(0) and 1/b sub(0) compensate each other an...