The dynamics of elongated and strongly stratified straits

Abstract

A three-dimensional frictional Ekman-type model has been derived from an analysis of the primitive momentum equations for the cases of long, strongly stratified straits. An analytical solution has been obtained. A set of model experiments is developed to investigate the formation of depth-integrated circulation patterns and three-dimensional current structures, as functions of external forcing, and parameter values for channels having nonuniform depth, and rotating in the ß-plane. The model results are compared with hydrological data obtained for the Bosphorus strait.