This talk focusses on some investigations into a recently developed non-linear, three-dimensional equatorial model for ocean dynamics. The analysis is based on singular perturbation approach and is facilitated by the introduction of a pseudo-stream function. The development of the model had been motivated by observations and the model is able to capture some essential properties of the flow in the equatorial region. Analysis of velocity field and flow paths indicate that several known and unknown features (which are essentially non-linear and three dimensional such as upwelling/downwelling, cellular flow structures, divergence of flow from the equator and extra-equatorial flows, subsurface ocean ‘bridge’ in the equatorial direction and sharp change in gradient of the flow path) exist and can be simulated by the model. A subsequent detailed global bifurcation analyses of a 2D model incorporating wave-current interaction for stratified rotational flows and numerical results from continuation methods reveal the presence of far more complex particle paths, which may affect the primary production and pelagic spices in addition to the mass, carbon and energy transport.
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