• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.88-94
• /
• 2010

A simple laboratory device and methodology are developed for deep understanding of the western boundary current (WBC). The apparatus consists of a rotating (count-clockwise) rectangular tank with a sloping bottom in order to simulate the beta effect, the variation of the Coriolis parameter with latitude. We also used a clockwise rotating disk at the surface water to mimic the wind stress forcing in mid-latitude oceans. Four experiments were carried out using some combination of a bottom type and a rotation of the tank. Experiment with the beta effect clearly demonstrated the WBClike flow as well as the Sverdrup interior. However, the water in a tank gave rise to an inertial motion under the influence of a constant Coriolis force alone. We also discussed a stiffening of the rotating fluid on the basis of the Taylor-Proudman effect. We believe that the apparatus and methods developed in this study help to understand the WBC due to the beta effect.