Nonlinear Dynamics of Wind-Drift Currents at Mid-Latitudes

Christian Puntini

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arXiv · 2506.10454

Nonlinear Dynamics of Wind-Drift Currents at Mid-Latitudes

Christian Puntini

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Abstract

Starting from the Navier-Stokes equation in the $f$-plane approximation, we provide an exact and explicit solution of the governing equations at leading order for fluid flows in the upper layer of the ocean at mid-latitudes, driven by a wind stress. Such a solution highlights the presence of a mean Ekman current superimposed to trochoidal oscillations and a background geostrophic current.

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Christian Puntini. 2025-06-12. Nonlinear Dynamics of Wind-Drift Currents at Mid-Latitudes. https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.10454

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