Wind stress and Ekman transport
In the steady idealized surface Ekman layer, vertically integrated mass transport is ME=τ×ẑ/f.
Key knowledge
In the steady idealized surface Ekman layer, vertically integrated mass transport is ME=τ×ẑ/f. Its direction is perpendicular to applied wind stress, reversing with the sign of f. Transport divergence/convergence can induce vertical exchange with the interior through continuity.
Values and equations
ME = τ×ẑ/f
- ME
- depth-integrated horizontal mass transport per width kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹
- τ
- surface wind stress vector Pa
- ẑ
- upward unit vector 1
- f
- Coriolis parameter s⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Use nonzero approximately constant f, the stated boundary stress and steady integrated momentum assumptions.
- The integrated relation does not by itself predict layer depth or every velocity within the layer.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read mass-transport vector relation, sign/direction and explicit no-layer-depth/velocity prediction limitation.
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Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- uni-earth-ekman-transport
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion