Response of western equatorial Pacific to a westerly wind burst

Atmospheric jets-with shear-can induce a vertical oceanic circulation with upwelling and down -welling even over the open ocean in regions where the Coriolis parameter can be regarded as a constant. Winds with nosheard that bloe parallel to the equator can also induce a vertical oceanic circulation with upwelling and downwellingwithin an equatorial radius of deformation. This study concerns the oceanic response to a westerly wind burst, in theform of an atmospheric jet, similar to those that occur over the western equatorial Pacific . It is shown that the shear ofthe wind, if it is within an equatorial radius of deformation, can alter the vertical circulation substantially, especially ifthere are westerly and easterly winds near the equator. A commentary on measurements amde during a westerly windburst over the western equatorial Pacific has been given.