Topographic Influences on the Wind-Driven Exchange between Marginal Seas and the Open Ocean

Abstract The wind-driven exchange through complex ridges and islands between marginal seas the open ocean is studied using both numerical analytical models. models are forced by a steady, spatially uniform northward wind stress intended to represent large-scale, low-frequency patterns typical of seasonal monsoons in western Pacific Ocean. There an eastward surface Ekman transport out sea westward geostrophic inflows into sea. interaction island chain produces strong baroclinic flows along boundaries with vertical depth that scales ratio inertial boundary layer thickness deformation radius. throughflows gaps characterized maximum center gap decreasing transports toward southern northern tips chain. An extended rule theory demonstrates determined collective balance viscosity on meridional eastern side islands. outflowing balanced primarily shallow current enters its equatorward boundary. can block some direct result overturning cell within sea, but this compensated for zonal jets around Topography form deep slope, ridge, or shelves alters pathways ultimately unable limit total ocean.