Exponential profiles producing genuine three-dimensional nonlinear flows relevant for equatorial ocean dynamics

Abstract A nonlinear, three dimensional model for equatorial oceanic flows that are moving slowly in the azimuthal direction is investigated. The consequences of including exponential terms in the azimuthal flow profile are determined. Some examples show that the model is able to capture simultaneously depth-dependent currents with flow reversal, poleward flow, upwelling/downwelling processes.