Topocaustics

Deep (∼2000 m) observations near the Sigsbee escarpment in the Gulf of Mexico show short-period (approximately 5–12 days) energetic currents due to topographic Rossby waves (TRW’s). We suggest that the phenomenon is due to the focusing and accumulation of TRW energy by the slopes coupled with a bend in isobaths, in a topographic caustic (topocaustic). The idea draws on a simple mathematical equivalence between the propagation of internal waves and of TRW’s. Topocaustics occur near regions of maximum NT = N|∇h| (N = Brunt–Väisälä frequency; h = water depth). Because of the one-sided propagation property of TRW’s, energy also tends to accumulate at the “western” end of closed contours of NT. The process is demonstrated here using a nonlinear primitive-equation numerical model with idealized bathymetry and forcing. A Gulf of Mexico simulation initialized with a data-assimilated analysis covering the period of the Sigsbee observation is then conducted. The mooring is near a localized maximum NT, and Intrinsic Mode Functions confirm the existence of energetic bursts of short-period deep-current events. The strong currents are locally forced from above, either by an extended Loop Current or a warm ring.