Dr. Richard Munro
Department of Civil Engineering, Nottingham University

I will present theoretical results, supported by experimental data, showing how a linearly stratified fluid, contained within a closed square cylinder, is spun-up when subject to a small increase in rotation rate. Theoretical results are presented for (a) the early time starting flow, and (b) the flow adjustment on the standard spin-up timescale. The latter accounts for both Ekman suction through the (horizontal) lid and base boundary layers, and the inward growth of horizontal-velocity Rayleigh layers from the container sidewalls.