Orlanski, I., and L. J. Polinsky, 1983: Ocean response to mesoscale atmospheric forcing. Tellus, 35A (4), 296-323.
Abstract: Many processes have been proposed as possible forcing mechanisms for mesoscale
oceanic variability. The present study shows that atmospheric forcing can
be an important source of mesoscale variability in the ocean. We show that
the response is linearly proportional to the product of the time scale of
the storm and its intensity. We clarify the point that for storms with scales
considerably smaller than the barotropic Rossby radius of deformation, the
oceanic stratification and the horizontal extent of the storm are the only
factors determining the penetration depth of the response, implying that
it is not the Rossby radius of deformation but rather the scale of penetration
depth (h = (f/N)L) that characterizes the response.
In exploring the effect of differing eddy-viscosity parameterization on
oceanic-response, we find no significant qualitative differences, although
as one might expect we find quantitative differences in the results.
The role of the mixed layer is considered very important in the transfer
of surface stresses down into the system. The mixed layer does not seem
to be important in determining the characteristic lengths of the problem,
however, at least for storms that give a penetration depth considerably
larger than the mixed layer (for a mixed layer on the order of 20 m, the
storm should be larger than a few kilometers).
The non-linear advection terms seem to affect the adjustment process more
by reducing the associated wave energy than by modifying the characteristics
of the geostrophic response.
Finally, making the stratification more realistic has no significant impact
on the resulting oceanic response.