The behavior of isolated free eddies in a rotating fluid: Laboratory experiment

Abstract

It is demonstated that an isolated free eddy similar to a Gulf Stream cyclonic ring can be generated in a rotating laboratory basin by applying local cooling to the free surface of the working fluid (water). Visual observations show that the resulting stratified eddy is inherently stable and preserves its monopolar structure even in the presence of bottom slope. On a sloping bottom, the eddy cuurent along with the eddy's water mass migrates away from the formation region. Characteristics of the eddy migration due to bottom slope are also presented.