Bryan, K., and M. D. Cox, 1968: A nonlinear model of an ocean driven by wind and differential heating: Part
II. An analysis of the hear, vorticity and energy balance. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 25 (6), 968-978.
Abstract: An analysis is made of the heat and vorticity balance of a numerical model
of a baroclinic ocean. The computation is carried out on a three-dimensional
grid designed to resolve the thermocline, and the narrow sidewall boundary
layers at the coasts. A vorticity analysis indicates almost perfect geostrophic
balance in the interior. In the immediate vicinity of the western wall the
vorticity balance at a given level is dominated by lateral friction and
vortex stretching associated with upwelling. The "beta" effect plays an
important, but somewhat lesser role. A study of the heat balance in the
interior shows that lateral advection is of primary importance in the upper
part of the model ocean as it removes heat received at the surface in areas
of wind-induced downwelling. Some of this heat is carried to the western
boundary where is compensates the cooling due to upwelling and convective
transfer through the surface.
An examination of the time-dependent motion indicates a regular downstream
movement of eddies in the western boundary current. These eddies extend
throughout the water column and give rise to a Reynolds stress which acts
to retard the time-averaged flow. In a test run with bottom friction included,
these eddies are slowly damped.