Summer study program in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics : baroclinic instability and ocean fronts

Abstract

"Baroclinic instability as the largest scale of motion participating in the cross frontal oceanic transport process" was the theme of the 25th summer program at G.F.D. Killworth (Cambridge University) reviewed classical baroclinic instability theory, leading up to recent studies in which the distinctive structure of an ocean front is included. Finite amplitude baroclinic instability in the classical model was discussed by Pedlosky (WHOI). Laboratory experiments on baroclinic frontal theory was surveyed by Griffiths (Australian National University). The different kinds of oceanic fronts were surveyed by Joyce (WHOI), and additional observations were supplied by several of the invited staff. The smallest scales of motion relevant to the cross-frontal transfer problem were discussed from the oceanic standpoint by Osborn (Naval Postgraduate School) and from the point of view of laboratory experiments by Ruddick (Dalhousie University), among others.