Some Effects of Stratification on Rotating Fluids

Abstract

A simple example of the steady motion of a rotating, stratified fluid is studied. The solution which is uniformly valid for all values of the stratification, σsδ = vαgD?T/(?f2L2), is presented. The transitions in the dynamics from the homogeneous limit to strong stratification are illustrated in detail. The motion is driven by a stress. Consequently, Ekman suction is weaker than in cases where the driving force is a moving boundary, and Ekman layers are important until a stratification of O(1) at which point they combine with Lineykin layers to form the thermal equivalent of the Stewartson E½ layer.