Incoprea Theory
Vol. XXIX · 109

Theory 44/New analysis/Oceanography

Eddy Energy Tracks Wind Work

The claim

Ocean eddy kinetic energy tracks wind work at the same latitudes rather than stored potential energy.

01Mechanism

Eddies are forced by wind and by instability; the forcing rate sets the standing energy.

02Prediction

Energy should track wind work.

03Refutation

Energy tracking stored potential would remove forcing.