Ekman Layers – Theory

IntroductionTank – How to | Tank – Examples | Atmosphere – Examples | Theory | For Teachers | Wiki

Although the large-scale flow in the atmosphere and ocean is close to geostrophic balance, in boundary layers where fluid rubs over solid boundaries or where, for example, the wind directly drives the ocean, there are marked departures from geostrophy.

More information on the theory of the Ekman layer can be found in Section 7.4 of notes here and in Section 10.1 of notes here.

Geostrophic balance is discussed in Section 7.1 of the notes here.