A numerical experiment on the variations of western boundary currents: Part II. Response to a moving typhoon

Abstract

Response of the barotropic western boundary current to typhoon passage is investigated by the use of the numerical models described in Part I. Steady states obtained in Part I are chosen as the initial conditions for undisturbed currents. In these models it is assumed that an axially symmetric typhoon (radius = 100 km, maximum wind speed = 27.4 m/sec) moves parallel to the western boundary. For the model with a flat bottom the boundary flow diminishes its strength and broadens its width after the passage of the typhoon offshore. For the model with a continental slope the effect of the typhoon is significantly different depending on the distance of the path of the typhoon from the western boundary. Specifically the north wind on the continental slope causes the formation of cyclonic vortex, which progresses southwards along the slope in the northern hemisphere. Linear theory of continental shelf waves indicates that the phase speed of the propagation of the vortex is 2.4 m/sec. Anomalies of the water level along the coast are also calculated from geostrophic relationships. © 1973 Oceanographical Society of Japan.