The role of transient eddies and standing meanders in an idealized
Southern Ocean model
Abstract
We examine the role of transient and standing eddies in an idealized
model with a Southern Ocean analog and two basins in the Southern
hemisphere. We use the new MOM6 code base in an entirely adiabatic
configuration, which allows for full equilibrium integration in only 100
years of simulation time. Fine resolution eddy-resolving simulations at
1/16- and 1/8-degree resolutions are performed in cases with and without
continental barriers and/or bottom roughness. A time- and zonal-Reynolds
averaging approach is used to decompose eddy fluxes into transient
eddies and standing meanders. For a flat bottom channel the wind driven
overturning circulation is balanced by transient eddies, consistent with
previous studies. However, when continental barriers or bottom roughness
are present, we find that standing meanders are dominant in the Southern
Ocean.