Abstract
A theory of the wind-driven ocean circulation is presented in which the key feature is strong deformation of interior density layers and consequent production of closed geostrophic-contours by the flow itself. The constraint imposed on the subsurface flow by the imposition of a no flux condition where a geostrophic contour strikes a coastal boundary is thus removed. Within regions where the geostrophic contours close the potential vorticity is uniform....
Recommended Citation
Rhines, Peter B., and William R. Young. 1982. "A theory of wind-driven circulation. I. Mid-ocean gyres." Journal of Marine Research 40, (S). https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/journal_of_marine_research/1657