On Wind-Driven Energetics of Subtropical Gyres

Abstract

The flow of energy in the wind-driven circulation is examined in a combined theoretical and numerical study. Based on a multiple-scale analysis, we find the mesoscale field in the ocean interior is strongly affected by, but does not feed back onto, the ventilated thermocline. In the western boundary region, the associated currents first appear as coastal jets, conserving mean energy, and later as separated jet extensions where the mesoscale is energized by the mean field. It is in the separated jet zone where the primary loss of general circulation energy to the mesoscale occurs. These ideas are tested by an analysis of a regional 1/12° primitive equation numerical model of the North Atlantic. The predictions of the theory are generally supported by the numerical results. The one exception is that topographic irregularities in the coastal jet spawn eddies, although these eddies contribute modestly to the energy budget. We therefore conclude the primary sink of wind input into the mean circulation is in the separated jet, and not the interior. The analysis also shows wind energy input to be much smaller than the interior energy fluxes; thus, the general circulation largely recirculates energy.