The Antarctic Circumpolar Current in Three Dimensions
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Authors
Radko, Timour
Marshall, John
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Date of Issue
2006-04
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Abstract
A simple theory is developed for the large-scale three-dimensional structure of the Antarctic Circumpolar
Current and the upper cell of its overturning circulation. The model is based on a perturbation expansion
about the zonal-average residual-mean model developed previously by Marshall and Radko. The problem
is solved using the method of characteristics for idealized patterns of wind and buoyancy forcing constructed
from observations. The equilibrium solutions found represent a balance between the Eulerian meridional
overturning, eddy-induced circulation, and downstream advection by the mean flow. Depth and stratification
of the model thermocline increase in the Atlantic–Indian Oceans sector where the mean wind stress is
large. Residual circulation in the model is characterized by intensification of the overturning circulation in
the Atlantic–Indian sector and reduction in strength in the Pacific Ocean region. Predicted three-dimensional
patterns of stratification and residual circulation in the interior of the ACC are compared with
observations.
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Oceanography
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Journal of Physical Oceanography, Volume 36, pp. 651-669, 2006.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.