ESS228
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Sverdrup Transport
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Continuity equation for an incompressible flow:
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Assume the horizontal flows are geostrophic:
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Replace the geostrophic flow pressure gradients:
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The continuity equation becomes:
Ekman layer pumping
è
vertical depth decreases
è
move equatorward to conserve absolute
vorticity.
Ekman layer suction
è
vertical depth increases
è
move poleward to conserve absolute vorticity.