Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1993

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Marshall, Jeffrey S.

Abstract

A study of two-layer quasi-geostrophic vortex flow is performed to determine the effect of a current difference between the layers on a vortex initially extending through both the layers. In particular, the conditions under which the current difference can 'tear' the vortex are examined. In the first set of flows studied, the current difference is generated by a (stronger) third vortex in the upper layer located at a large distance from the (weaker) vortex under study. A set of flows are also considered in which an ambient geostrophic current difference is produced by a non-uniform background potential vorticity field. The results of the study will be useful in determining the conditions under which large geophysical vortex structures, such as cyclones and ocean rings, can extend to large depths even though the mean currents in the ambient flow change significantly along the vortex length.

Extent

95 p.

Comments

College of Engineering and Computer Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.E.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1993.|College of Engineering and Computer Science

Identifier

FADT14909

Format

pdf

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