The Flow of a Two-Layer Fluid over Topography in a Polar Ocean

Abstract

A two-layer model is constructed for wind-driven flow over topography in a closed polar basin where thevariation of Coriolis force with latitude is negligible. The model equations are reduced using scales appropriate for the Arctic Ocean. The nonlinear equations governing the geostrophic flow in the two layers can, fora basin with strong topography, be reduced to a linear differential equation. This is solved for a "model"topography which mimics the bathymetry of the Canadian Basin. The asymmetry or intensification inthe surface water is described as a function of the non-dimensional parameters which contain informationon the basic stratification, rotation and vertical mixing.