Vortices over Bathymetry - Dynamics of Planetary-scale Fluid Flows

Explore the dynamics of long-lived anticyclones over topographic basins and troughs in the ocean in this 44-minute conference talk by Joe LaCasce at the Erwin Schrödinger International Institute for Mathematics and Physics. Delve into the variational solution in two layers, examining minimum enstrophy solutions and their characteristics. Investigate the asymmetry in vortex mergers through numerical simulations using a quasi-geostrophic model and random initial conditions. Discover how cyclones and anticyclones behave differently, with anticyclones retaining axisymmetric shapes and increasing in size. Learn about the formation of central anticyclones at depth and more substantial anticyclones at the surface, and their consistency with surface-intensified variational solutions. Compare these findings with results from a full complexity ocean model, noting the pronounced asymmetry in surface vortex mergers and stronger deep vortex flows. Gain insights into planetary-scale fluid flows and their implications for ocean dynamics.