Topographic Rossby Waves in the Gulf of Mexico
by Peter Hamilton
A review will be made of deep basin currents from moorings, RAFOS floats, and pressure gauges deployed in recent MMS field programs.
The variability and character of the velocity fluctuations below 1000 m can be largely attributed to topographic Rossby waves (TRWs). Topics discussed include radiation from the Loop Current (LC), development of mean westward flows along the Sigsbee escarpment, and possible generation mechanisms through baroclinic instability of LC upper layer flows.