Ekman Layer Resources
Ekman Flow Visualization With Rotating Tank:
MIT's Weather in a Tank project is the main inspiration for
the construction of the rotating tank as well as a great
resource for the experiments and demonstrations that can be
done with it. They have pictures and videos as well as
additional explanations. Their Ekman spiral visualizations
recommend using potassium permanganate crystals for the dye
since it sinks right to the bottom. Unfortunately, I had
none available at the time of filming my experiments. This
will be (hint, hint) future work!
A random YouTube video effectively demonstrating the Ekman spiral using potassium permanganate dye crystals. I have no idea what the experimenters are saying, but the visualization is clear as day.
The primary listed reference text for our course, Physics
647 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics at UAF for the fall semester
of 2013. Discussing everything from the most basic of
concepts to the Ekman layer, this book has it all!