ADJUSTMENT TO JEBAR FORCING IN A ROTATING OCEAN

The transient response to JEBAR forcing is investigated theoretically, Expressing the response by the surface elevation, weighted by the non dimensional surface density, it is demonstrated that this parameter sa tisfies the equation for forced, barotropic topographic waves on an f plane. Numerical simulations ina channel with shelves/slopes on both s ides and an alongchannel (northward) diagnostic density variation in t he central area confirm that the JEBAR adjustment process is basically accomplished by the radiation of shelf wave modes 1 and 2. The geostr ophically balanced, quasi-steady solution obtained after about Iq days is strongly asymmetric with pronounced northward depth-mean currents along the southwestern and northeastern slopes.