An analytic solution for bottom intensified flow along sloping topography

Abstract

A self-similar nonlinear analytic solution is derived for a case of isolated deep flow over broad sloping topography. The solution takes the form of an arctangent function and physically manifests as a compressing jet (narrowing and intensifying) with Ekman pumping controlling the interface evolution. Notably, this jet travels in the direction with shallow water to the left, which is in contrast to the expected flow direction of topographic Rossby wave propagation (shallow water to the right). Such deep flows are not accessible via satellite observations and play an important role ocean-coastal ocean connectivity. Examples of deep flows over broad shelves include the South Atlantic Bight and West Florida Shelf, where deep upwelling is thought to influence the generation of red tides, local ecosystems, and deep carbon sequestration. Relevance of the analytic solution to the South Atlantic Bight circulation is provided.