A fractal approach to ocean Ekman transport

Abstract

This work examines ocean Ekman current dynamics in fractal dimensions based on the concept of product-like fractal measure introduced recently by Li and Ostoja-Starzewski in their formulation of anisotropic continuum media. We show that fractal dimensions of the fluid affects the amplitude and the shape of the velocity profile. It was observed that fast-moving current occurs for fractal dimensions much less than unity whereas slow-moving current arises for fractal dimensions close to unity. A large flow velocity leads to a decrease in the shear rate and an increase in the viscosity, a fact that has been observed in physical oceanography.