We test this hypothesis by further simplifying the idealized model configuration to consist of a homogeneous ocean (simulation H2K1) in which no water mass transformation can occur. This simulation develops daily-averaged sea-level anomaly and depth-averaged flow fields that reach steady-state at about day 28 (Figure 11). As expected, the mean flow follows gradients of the time-averaged sea surface height anomaly field, which are strongest along the shelf break and upper slope. The mean flow field shows an along-slope flow from the Weddell Sea ( 0.3 m s21) into the Scotia Sea ( 0.1 m s21)(Figure 11d).