Abstract
Abstract The beta effect on the evolution of intrathermocline vortices, such as anticyclonic Mediterranean Water eddies (meddies), is investigated in a quasigeostrophic numerical model with fine high vertical resolution. The authors define two types of structure for isolated vortices depending on the strength of relative vorticity in comparison with vortex stretching. When stretching dominates, the potential vorticity structure consists of poles of opposite sign primarily distributed along the vertical axis. In that case, interactions among the poles can drastically influence the propagation by increasing both the mean speed and its temporal variability. The trajectories are then highly dependent on the initial vertical structure of the vortex. They exhibit loops, cusps, and stagnation phases, and the mean propagation is generally southwestward at a speed of 1–2 cm s−1 for an anticyclone. Sometimes a steadily translating structure (modon) emerges and propagates eastward. These modons are persistent (hence...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
