On generation of sub-surface motions in stratified ocean over sloping bottom

Quasigeostrophic motions in a two-layer ocean over the sloping bottom are c onsidered. The dynamics of these motions is strongly different both from th e motion of a two-layer fluid on the beta-plane and the motion in a barotro pic ocean over the sloping bottom. The first distinction is the existence o f steady states with finite energy and enstrophy confined to the upper laye r. The second one is related to the properties of linear waves which have a zero upper layer potential vorticity. The radiation of such waves results in the fact that any initial state with non-zero upper layer vorticity (for example confined to the lower layer) does not disperse with iincreasing ti me but tends to the steady upper layer state described above.