Perturbation analysis for the surface deflection angle of Ekman-type flows with variable eddy viscosity (Q2028607)

This paper deals with a formula for the change of the surface deflection angle due to a perturbation (in the upper layer) of a given eddy viscosity profile in the setting of steady wind-driven oceanic currents in a non-equatorial two-layer ocean with constant eddy viscosity in the lower layer and a general continuous eddy viscosity profile in the upper layer. To this end, the author furnishes an useful reformulation of a recent linear second-order governing equations for Ekman-type flows as a nonlinear first-order Riccati-type equation. An example is given to illustrate the result obtained.