TRR 181 Seminar "Symmetric instability in cross-equatorial western boundary currents" by Fraser Goldsworth (University of Oxford)
The TRR 181 seminar is held every other week in the semester and as announced during semester break. The locations of the seminar changes between the three TRR181 locations, but is broadcastet online for all members of the TRR.
The TRR 181 seminar is held by Fraser Goldsworth (University of Oxford) on June 30, 11 am.
Symmetric instability in cross-equatorial western boundary currents
Abstract
Over the last few decades our understanding of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has progressed, with us no longer seeing it as a coherent "global conveyor", but as having contributions from many different current systems, which vary across a variety of temporal and spatial scales. In particular, the role of mesoscale variability has become better understood. In this talk I will examine the role of sub-mesoscale instability in idealised models of two western boundary currents which are known to be important AMOC pathways – in particular, the North Brazil Current and the Deep Western Boundary Current as it crosses the equator. I will explain how symmetric instability is generated in these currents, and compare and contrast the evolution of the instability in each of them.