Frictional Convergence due to Large-Scale Equatorial Waves in a Finite-Depth Ekman Layer

Abstract

Frictional convergence due to large-scale equatorial waves discussed by Holton et al. (1971) and Yamasaki (1971) is re-examined diagnostically on the assumption that the Ekman layer solution does not extend to infinite height. It is found that frictional convergence in not singular but extreme at the critical latitude where the Coriolis frequency is equal to the wave frequency for even meridional modes, while it attains its maximum at the equator for odd modes contrary to the result by Holton et al. (1971).