A model of the effects of a shelf break and of wind stress on the dynamics of oceanic fonts

Abstract

A mathematical model dependent upon across-shelf and vertical coordinates, but independent of along-shelf coordinates is used to study the effects of a shelf break and of wind stress on the dynamics of oceanic fronts. The governing equations are the coupled diffusion equations and the full non-linear Navier-Stokes equations for a fluid on a f-plane. The problem is given variable bottom topography and/or an applied wind stress. A weak front is developed initially with no wind stress. When equlibrium is reached the wind stress is applied, which causes mixing and a forcing of the front off the shelf break.