Dynamically equilibrium shapes and directions of motion of ocean current rings

Abstract

The dynamically equilibrium shapes of a uniform-density rotating mass of liquid (a ring) in the surface layer of a quiescent stratified ocean are determined. The examination is carried out in a plane tangential to the Earth, taking into account the vertical and horizontal projections of the angular velocity of its rotation. Exact solutions of the equations of motion of an ideal incompressibe fluid are obtained, making it possible, for a linearly stratified ocean, to determine the dynamic all equilibrium shape of the interfaces of water masses and the free boundaries of cyclonic and antocyclonic rings. These shapes comprise second-order surfaces inclined to the water level in the meridian plane, the type of surfaces depending on the governing parameters of the problem. Expressions are obtained for the angles of inclination of the principal axes. For small deviations from equilibrium, due to a difference in the gravitational forces and Archimedes forces, motion of the ring occurs, governed by the inclination of the principal axes and the nature of change (increase or reduction) in the average density of the ring, determined by the ratio of the rates of diffusion of heat and salt. The displacement along the parallel comprises geostrophic motion, for the velocity of which an analytical expression is obtained. The displacement along the meridian comprises motion over an inclined plane. An analytical expression is given that relates the change in the depth of the centre of mass of the ring to the velocity of motion along the meridian through the angle of inclination of the principal axes of the ring. This explains the motion of both types of Gulf Stream ring to the south-west and of the Oyasio ring to the north-east.