4
Sverdrup Theory
Fig. 1.1.2. Transport estimates of elements of the upper ocean circulation (waters warmer than TC)
in the North Atlantic. Circled numbers, estimates of the number of Sverdrups carried in each branch
of the circulation. (From Schmitz and McCartney 1993)
It is fair to say that the modern era in the development of the theory of the
oceanic general circulation began with the pioneering paper of Sverdrup
(1947). Although important work was carried out earlier by Ekman (1905), the
paper by Sverdrup, although many of the arguments are nowadays modified or
qualified, still forms the cornerstone of our attempts to construct a theory of
the oceanic circulation.
This preliminary chapter presents a brief review of Sverdrup theory, and
we also undertake a critical examination of its foundations and a discussion of
its limitations. Our review is heuristic rather than formal, and the reader may
wish to consult, for example, Ped1osky (1987) for a more formal, though no
more correct, development of the theory.
1.2 Scaling for Sverdrup Theory
Sverdrup theory is meant to apply to the broad reaches of the ocean outside the
intense western boundary currents. It is therefore meant to serve as a model for
Sverdrup Theory
Fig. 1.1.2. Transport estimates of elements of the upper ocean circulation (waters warmer than TC)
in the North Atlantic. Circled numbers, estimates of the number of Sverdrups carried in each branch
of the circulation. (From Schmitz and McCartney 1993)
It is fair to say that the modern era in the development of the theory of the
oceanic general circulation began with the pioneering paper of Sverdrup
(1947). Although important work was carried out earlier by Ekman (1905), the
paper by Sverdrup, although many of the arguments are nowadays modified or
qualified, still forms the cornerstone of our attempts to construct a theory of
the oceanic circulation.
This preliminary chapter presents a brief review of Sverdrup theory, and
we also undertake a critical examination of its foundations and a discussion of
its limitations. Our review is heuristic rather than formal, and the reader may
wish to consult, for example, Ped1osky (1987) for a more formal, though no
more correct, development of the theory.
1.2 Scaling for Sverdrup Theory
Sverdrup theory is meant to apply to the broad reaches of the ocean outside the
intense western boundary currents. It is therefore meant to serve as a model for