Changes in divergence, vorticity, and strain rate in the ocean over time under steady forcing

What is it about?

This study considers the response of the ocean surface currents to constant forcing. In particular, the tendencies to diverge, rotate, or stretch are examined. These properties are linked in the physical equations in a complicated manner. Depending on the imposed forces, there may be 2 to 6 equilibrium solutions, where these properties do not change over time. If the initial conditions differ, the properties may tend to these equilibrium solutions, oscillate around them, or blow up. Without forcing, the tendency to rotate (vorticity) must exceed the stretching tendency (total strain rate) in order for the solution to remain finite. With nonzero forcing, there is no such simple criterion.

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