Can Rossby Waves in the Ocean Create Vortices?

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SUMMARY

Rossby waves in the ocean can indeed spawn vortices, similar to their atmospheric counterparts. The discussion highlights that while atmospheric cyclones are influenced by smaller-scale turbulence within Rossby waves, oceanic circulations exhibit lower turbulence due to higher water viscosity and lower Reynolds numbers. The size of these oceanic vortices can reach up to 1000 miles in diameter, often becoming stationary and associated with Rossby waves. The relationship between Rossby waves and stationary systems remains a topic of inquiry.

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  • Understanding of Rossby waves and their dynamics
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  • Basic principles of atmospheric and oceanic interactions
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Oceanographers, meteorologists, and researchers interested in the dynamics of oceanic and atmospheric interactions will benefit from this discussion.

ImaLooser
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Rossby waves in the atmosphere spawn vortices which are low pressure areas.

Is it possible that the Rossby waves in the ocean spawn vortices? If so, how big might they be?

Something tells me that I'm not going to get an answer to this question.
 
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Understanding very little of that topic I nevertheless dare to express some thoughts on it:
In atmosphere the creation of cyclones is due to smaller scale turbulences being embedded in the Rossby waves. I suppose that the oceanic circulations are much less turbulent on comparable length scales as the Reynolds numbers are much lower due to the higher viscosity of water as compared to air.
 
Yes, see

Oceanography by Summerhayes and Thorpe, p67
 
I'm watching for systems 1000 miles in diameter. Often they become stationary and all hell breaks loose. When they become stationary, there is often a Rossby Wave associated with the system. Which comes first: the Rossby Wave, the Super System, the temp/inverted Troposphere, an abnormal stationary updraft?
 

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