A note on the kinetic energy exchange between fluctuations and mean flow in the surface layer of the Florida current

Abstract

Recent free instrument measurements have been used to form estimates of one contribution to the kinetic energy exchange between fluctuations and mean flow in the surface layer of the Florida Current. These results are compared with previous estimates based on G.E.K. data. The free instrument and G.E.K. observations were collected at about the same locations and on roughly the same time scale, but at different times. The agreement between the different estimates is essentially within relative observational error: confirming the existence of the somewhat surprising pattern previously found, involving substantial kinetic energy transfer from fluctuations to mean flow in a narrow zone of about 20 km width in the region of cyclonic lateral shear. Some differences in detail are noted. Also, it is suggested that the process giving rise to this pattern acts to redistribute kinetic energy between fluctuations and mean flow over a complete section across the Current, rather than leading to a net transfer of kinetic energy in either direction. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1969.tb00487.x