A note on eastern-boundary intensification of flow in Lake Vostok

Based on the predictions of a simple hypothetical model it is proposed that the circulation within Lake Vostok is asymmetric, with a narrow boundary layer along the eastern wall and a diffuse counter-clockwise recirculation in the interior. This differs from a recent work by Wüest and Carmack Ocean Model. 2 (2000) 29], who predicted a symmetric, clockwise circulation in the lake. The predicted boundary-layer intensification is due to variation in the depth of the lake, which creates a dynamically important topographic β effect. The eastward intensification of the flow may have important implications for future studies of the lake's ecosystem.