Atmospheric jets-winds with shear-can induse a vertical oceanic circulation with upwelling and downwelling even over the open ocean in regions where the Coriolis parameter can be regarded as a constant.Winds with no shears that blow parallel to the equator can also induce a vertical oceanic circulation with upwelling and downwelling within an equatorial radius of deforntation.This study concerns the oceanic response to a westerly wind burst,in the form of an atmospheric jet,similar to those that occur over the western equatorial Pacific.It is shown that the shear of the wind,if it is within an equatorial radius of deformation,can alter the vertical circulation substantially,especially if there are westerly and easterly winds near the equator.A commentary on measurements made during a westerly wind burst over the western equatorial Pacific has been given.