Inertial Taylor columns on a beta plane

Abstract

An investigation is conducted concerning the lowest-order effect of variable Coriolis parameters on Taylor-column formation, taking into account the flow over a bump on a beta plane. The model considered involves a two-layer fluid on a beta plane. The governing equations for the two layers are discussed along with the characteristics of the general solutions, solutions for two retrograde currents, solutions for two prograde currents, experiments related to the single-layer problem, and the geophysical implications of the results of the investigation.