Linear theory of the circulation of a stratified ocean

Abstract

A linear model of the circulation of a stratified ocean, in a closed basin, driven by both wind stress and heating is presented. Particular attention is given to the interdependence of the primary features of the oceanic circulation. The upwelling process is studied in detail and it is shown that the complete determination of the mid-ocean thermocline solution depends on the upwelling in the boundary layers on the ocean basin's side walls. The morphology of the side wall boundary layers as a function of the stratification is also discussed.