An Idealized Model Study of Eddy Energetics in the Western Boundary “Graveyard”

Abstract Recent studies show that the western boundary acts as a “graveyard” for westward-propagating ocean eddies. However, how eddy energy incident on is dissipated remains unclear. Here we investigate energetics of eddy–western interaction using an idealized MIT circulation model with spatially variable grid resolution. Four types experiments are conducted: 1) single cases, 2) sea random eddies, 3) smooth topography, and 4) rough topography. We find significant dissipation at boundary, regardless whether topography or rough. in presence not only rate enhanced, but more importantly, leading process removing switches from bottom frictional drag case to viscous interior above Further analysis shows enhanced experiment associated greater anticyclonic, ageostrophic instability (AAI), possibly result lee wave generation nonpropagating form effect.