Eddy-mean flow interactions and vertical eddy energy redistribution
associated with the standing meander in the Antarctic Circumpolar
Current
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that local eddy-mean flow interactions associated
with standing meanders play key roles in the dynamics of the
Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Here we explore the importance of the
local dynamics quantitatively with a viewpoint of energy transfer using
the Lorentz diagram concept. Results confirm the importance of the
eddy-mean flow interactions in the standing meander, showing that 55%
of the wind energy input is converted to the eddy energy through the
baroclinic instability in the standing meander region. It is also found
that most of the eddy kinetic energy is dissipated local in the deeper
layer due to the vertical energy redistribution governed by the vertical
pressure flux. Contrary, the eddy effects are negligible outside the
standing meander region.