Jet formation in three fluid layers over topography

Zonal (east−west) jets are characteristic of many geophysical and planetary systems. On Jupiter, they manifest as strong zonal flows between its visible bands. In Earth’s atmosphere, similar jets occur near the tropopause. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the only current that travels around the globe, has marked density fronts at the surface, reflecting three distinct zonal jets. These jets are unstable, leading to meandring patterns and generating eddies. As such, the jets play a central role in the dynamics of their respective environments.
This project investigates the formation of jets in the ACC, with a focus on the influence of bottom topography on jet structure.
Two different models are used. Both solve the quasi-geostrophic equations, with three fluid layers. Including a third layer helps isolate the direct effects of the bottom topography and permits instability in the upper two layers.
This research clarifies jet formation and the scales involved, contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics in the ACC. As the ACC connects the three main ocean basins, the work has implications for understanding the ocean’s role in the Earth’s climate system.