Theory 83/Planetary/Ocean circulation
Circulation Follows Wind and Buoyancy
The claim
The dominant mode of ocean circulation is set by the ratio of wind stress to buoyancy forcing, so a planet with weak winds and strong heating circulates differently.
01Mechanism
Wind drives horizontal gyres while buoyancy drives overturning; the ratio determines which dominates.
02Prediction
Circulation mode should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Mode tracking rotation would remove the forcing balance.