THE NEAR-SURFACE LAYER OF THE OCEAN
this simulation is that initially randomly distributed vortices evolve into
isolated vortex structures concentrating much of the kinetic energy.
Figure 5-2. In a two-dimensional flow, initially randomly distributed vorticity (a) evolves into
isolated vortex structures (b, c, and d). (Results of direct numerical simulation by
McWilliams, 1984.)
Many times, almost circular vortices develop, although the formation of
other types of vortices is observed under certain conditions. Van Heijst and
Kloosterziel (1989) proposed the following classification for stable vortices:
1) A monopolar vortex, approximately axis-symmetric (or slightly elliptic),
possessing a net angular momentum; 2) A dipolar vortex, which consists of
two counter-rotating vortices and has net linear momentum; 3) A tripole
vortex, which consists of an elliptic central vortex, flanked by two weaker
290
Reproduced with the permission of Cambridge University Press.
this simulation is that initially randomly distributed vortices evolve into
isolated vortex structures concentrating much of the kinetic energy.
Figure 5-2. In a two-dimensional flow, initially randomly distributed vorticity (a) evolves into
isolated vortex structures (b, c, and d). (Results of direct numerical simulation by
McWilliams, 1984.)
Many times, almost circular vortices develop, although the formation of
other types of vortices is observed under certain conditions. Van Heijst and
Kloosterziel (1989) proposed the following classification for stable vortices:
1) A monopolar vortex, approximately axis-symmetric (or slightly elliptic),
possessing a net angular momentum; 2) A dipolar vortex, which consists of
two counter-rotating vortices and has net linear momentum; 3) A tripole
vortex, which consists of an elliptic central vortex, flanked by two weaker
290
Reproduced with the permission of Cambridge University Press.