Volumes and Issues  Contents of Issue 12

Ann. Geophys., 24, 3191-3196, 2006
www.ann-geophys.net/24/3191/2006/
© European Geosciences Union 2006

Modeling a turbulence effect in formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current

J. Heinloo and A. Toompuu
Marine Systems Institute, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 21, Tallinn 12618, Estonia

Abstract. A simple model to determine a turbulence effect in formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is suggested. The model is founded on the theory of rotationally anisotropic turbulence and is set up as a generalization of the geostrophic description of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). It predicts the turbulence effect as an additive correction to the flow velocity predicted by the geostrophic balance. The correction, calculated from the optimally analyzed hydrographic data in the Southern Ocean, results in an increased ACC total baroclinic volume transport and in a shift in the current velocity maximum to the south, if compared with the pure geostrophic estimate.

Full Article (PDF, 2471 KB)

Citation: Heinloo, J. and Toompuu, A.: Modeling a turbulence effect in formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, Ann. Geophys., 24, 3191-3196, 2006.   Bibtex   EndNote   Reference Manager