Effect of vertical viscosity and diffusivity on tropical ocean circulation

Abstract

Response of the tropical ocean to a uniform zonal wind is studied numerically and analytically. In addition to the Equatorial Undercurrent and surface westward flows on both sides of the equator, an eastward flow at the pycnocline depth is formed at several degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This subsurface eastward flow first appears in the eastern part of the ocean and extends to the west. Then it gradually decreases in speed, and at a steady state the speed is of the order of 1cm sec−1. The spatial distribution of this subsurface flow is similar to the Subsurface Countercurrent, but the speed is one order smaller than that observed. The obtained thermostad is obscure compared with that observed. Whole of the time evolution produced by a numerical model can be accounted for by linear wave dynamics in a multi-layer model including vertical diffusion and friction. Although diffusion and friction are essential to maintain this subsurface flow, changes in the values of coefficients for vertical viscosity and diffusivity and also in initial density stratification lead only to a minor change in the speed of the subsurface eastward flow. It is concluded that a subsurface eastward flow with speed exceeding 10 cm sec−1 accompanied by a distinctive thermostad structure cannot be explained by linear wave dynamics including vertical dissipation.