Validity of theoretical solutions for a rotating rectangular basin with two-layer stratification due to a suddenly imposed wind

In 1974, Csanady and Scott developed theoretical solutions for the flow fields and displacements of a density interface in a rectangular basin with two-layer stratification when a constant wind stress was suddenly imposed. However, their solutions do not satisfy all boundary conditions. In the present study, we have corrected these theoretical solutions and have analyzed their validity by comparing them with numerical simulations. We found that the theoretical solutions have high validity when upwelling does not occur and when nonlinear effects, vertical circulation, and boundary layer effects are small. In addition, we found that the Wedderburn number WN is more significant for the validity and applicability of the theoretical solutions than the Burger number Si. Furthermore, the theoretical solutions are highly applicable to actual phenomena when WN≥ 1.98.