Application of the Theory to the Subtropical Gyre
143
y/L
~~1~~~~-~0~.5~~~~0~~~==:0:.5==~--_j
alpha = .3
x/L
0.4
0.2
~L1---------o~.~5------~o~------~o~.5~----~
Fig. 3.9.2a,b. Streamfunction in the 2.5-layer model with the assumption that the potential vorticity
in layer 2 is homogenized within the pool of closed geostrophic contours. In the figure
a = ~'J'H = 0.3. The layer depths and the density jumps at the two active interfaces are taken to be
equal. & ¢ 1. Note the kink in the upper layer streamlines at the boundary of the pool (plus signs).
b ¢2. The motion is a swirling recirculation limited to the pool. An implied return flow through the
western boundary current must take place in both layers
a
b