Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2024 / iii / Paper 333 / 1 / b / Solution

Assume an inviscid homogeneous ocean, no horizontal pressure gradient, and no wind stress. Horizontal uniformity then removes advective acceleration, and the parcel equations on a beta plane arewith $u=\dot{x}$ and $v=\dot{y}$.

Since $\dot{u}=f(y)\dot{y}$, integration from the stated initial data givesThis is conservation of the parcel's zonal canonical momentum: its zonal speed records the meridionally accumulated Coriolis acceleration. Multiplying the two momentum equations by $u$ and $v$ and adding givesThus kinetic energy and speed are constant:Eliminating $\dot{x}$ gives the required ordinary differential equation

For $f_0,\beta >0$, the equator is at $y_e=-f_0/\beta$. ThereThe parcel must encounter a meridional turning point before reaching the equator if it is to remain strictly in the Northern Hemisphere. The energy relation therefore requiresor $\beta V/f_0^2<1/2$. Equality is the limiting trajectory that reaches the equator with zero meridional speed.