On inertially-controlled flow patterns in a β-plane ocean

Possible flow patterns in a rectangular, β-plane, ocean are generated by assuming that the ocean basin can be divided into an interior region in which the dynamical balance is of the Sverdrup type (1947) and a boundary region where the dynamicai balance is governed by inertial forces. The flow pattern which was derived by CARRIER & ROBINSON (1962) is shown to be the only possible pattern for a one-layer and a two-layer ocean when friction is not taken into account. The impcrtance of friction is discussed and possible alternatives are mentioned for cases in which friction is included.