Nonlinear dynamics of time-variable slope circulation

Sjur, Anna Lina Petruseviciute; Isachsen, Pål Erik; Nilsson, Johan; Allen, Susan Elizabeth

doi:10.5194/os-22-3055-2026

Articles | Volume 22, issue 5

https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-3055-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-3055-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 22, issue 5

Research article

|

06 Oct 2026

Research article |

| 06 Oct 2026

Nonlinear dynamics of time-variable slope circulation

Anna Lina Petruseviciute Sjur, Pål Erik Isachsen, Johan Nilsson, and Susan Elizabeth Allen

Model code and software

alpsjur/temporal-topo-flow: v1.1.1 Anna Lina Petruseviciute Sjur https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22247622

Video supplement

Time evolution of velocity and relative vorticity, 128 days forcing period Anna Lina Petruseviciute Sjur https://doi.org/10.5446/74040

Time evolution of velocity and relative vorticity, 16 days forcing period Anna Lina Petruseviciute Sjur https://doi.org/10.5446/74041

Short summary

Ocean currents along continental slopes do not respond linearly to changing winds. Nonlinearities arises from interactions between the flow and seafloor bumps. Using simplified simulations and theory, we investigate the dynamics of these nonlinear effects. Such effects are likely missed in coarse-grained climate models, with implications for representing ocean flow in areas such as the Arctic.