A three-layer model of ocean fronts

A three-layer, steady-state, wind-driven model of the thermocline is used to investigate the structure of ocean density-fronts. Analytical expressions are derived for the shape of the upper-layer outcropping line in terms of the applied wind stress. It is found that the presence of interfacial friction is crucial in determining the outcropping line, and that real wind stress data can produce very different outcrop curves to commonly used analytical winds. For a simplified, inviscid model, the layer depths and streamfunctions are also calculated. It is shown that stronger flow occurs in the subducted second layer than in the directly driven surface layer.