Model of the structure and motion of a warm-core ring

Abstract

A simple model consisting of a thin homogeneous lens overlying a stratified deeper layer is investigated. The model includes the ageostrophic effects of the surfacing front, the ß-effect, which induces motion, and Rossby wave generation in the deep layer. Solutions can be found that are isolated, meaning all of the flow variables decrease rapidly with radius. These special solutions, which have no radiated deepwater wave, must also satisfy the constraint that the net angular momentum be zero. They are generally quite large and strong eddies. For smaller rings, there will be a radiated field in the deep layer as the eddy moves westward over the top. This field, found generally to the east of the eddy, will remove energy from the ring, causing it to spin down.