Separation of oceanic boundary layers.

This proposal is to study the dynamics of oceanic boundary layer separation and mixing in the separated wakes. A new theoretical framework will be employed to quantify the competing contributions of rotation, stratification, vortex stretching and coastline curvature to boundary layer separation. The project will also exploit a novel numerical model based on an unstructured, dynamically-adaptive mesh. This model is exciting because it offers the chance to explicitly resolve the boundary layers in relatively low-dissipation regimes relevant to the ocean. Initial calculations will be for two-dimensional rotating flow along vertical coastlines, and two-dimensional stratified flow over variable bottom topography. Subsequently we will consider three-dimensional flows with both rotation and stratification along sloping sidewalls of various geometrical configurations. Applications to be considered include the Gulf Stream, the Deep Western Boundary Current, the Aghulas Current and the Mediterranean Undercurrent. The impact of either inadequately resolving or parameterising the boundary layer will also be investigated within a tied studentship.