Modelling the separation and eddy formation of coastal currents in a stratified tank

Experiments were performed to investigate the separation and vortex development of a wall-jet in a stratified tank. A horizontal jet was introduced adjacent to and parallel to a wall. On a fast time scale O (1/Brunt-Väisälä frequency) a planar flow was generated by gravitational collapse of the initially three-dimensional jet. Fluorescein was used for visualization. Vorticity and stream function were determined by optically tracking tracer particles. The current separated from the wall, then organized into an asymmetrical dipole which propagated away from the wall. The stronger region of vorticity stretched the weaker region about itself. As a result, the long-time structure was a monopole.