It remains common for large scale climate models to parameterise the effects of geostrophic ocean eddies. Modern models typically use a form of the Gent and McWilliams scheme, which is based upon the principle of adiabatic stirring. However other physical principles apply in the ocean, including the need to conserve energy.
This talk discusses the fundamental nature of the eddy-mean-flow interaction in the ocean. The yields a geometric picture of ocean eddies, with eddies having a characteristic “shape” and “orientation”.
The physical interpretation of these properties is considered, and possible directions for ocean eddy parameterisation are discussed.