New Definition of Potential Spicity by the Least Square Method
Abstract
A differentiable function whose contours are orthogonal to potential density (σ) contours does not exist. However, such a function, called potential spicity (π), can be defined in the least square sense; these two functions form a practically orthogonal coordinate system in potential temperature-salinity (θ-S) space. Thus, in addition to the classical potential temperature-salinity (θ-S) diagram, seawater properties can be studied in the potential density-potential spicity (σ - π) diagram.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research (Oceans)
- Pub Date:
- October 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2018JC014306
- Bibcode:
- 2018JGRC..123.7351H
- Keywords:
-
- potential spicity;
- potential density;
- the least square method;
- orthogonal coordinate system