Vorticity Dissipation by Western Boundary Currents in the Presence of Outcropping Layers

Abstract

In an exploration of the dynamics of current separation and vorticity dissipation in a two-layer model, the following is found. 1) Results obtained in a barotropic context remain valid; namely, two major dissipation regimes can be found: either a ?loop current? or a recirculating gyre. 2) A transition from one regime to the other can be achieved if one increases the strength of the front associated with the outcrop, regardless of the specified boundary conditions. 3) Separation will depend upon the choice of lateral boundary conditions if the upper-layer flow is not highly inertial.