Eddy Formation and Shedding in a Separating Boundary Current

This study deals with the separation of western boundary currents within a reduced-gravity framework, and it analyzes the formation of eddies in the separation region and the conditions of their shedding into the open ocean. It shows that the separation point of the current oscillates along the coast so that the retroflected eastward current develops meanders. These meanders grow, drift westward under the influence of β, and finally hit the coastal current, which leads to the periodic formation of eddies. This study also highlights the impact by the geometrical configurations of the flow and coastline upon the existence or lack of a subsequent shedding of these eddies: a shedding occurs when no obstacle hinders the β-induced westward drift of the eddies. This happens when either (i) the current retroflects far enough beyond the tip of the coast so that, because of β, the eddies can propagate westward without being blocked, or (ii) the tilt of the coast is small enough so that the alongshore component of the β-induced velocity is enhanced and the eddies can escape from the retroflection region.