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Nonlinear instability of a Rossby-wavecritical layer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2006

Peter H. Haynes
Peter H. Haynes
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge
Also J.I.S.A.O. Contribution no. 17, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195.
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Abstract

The vorticity distribution in a Rossby-wave nonlinear critical layer, given by the Stewartson–Warn–Warn solution, may be strongly modified by the action of shear instability. In a companion paper (Killworth & McIntyre 1985) it was shown, using linear theory, that unstable modes indeed existed. Here, using numerical methods, the nonlinear evolution of unstable disturbances is followed up to the time at which their growth ceases. By such a time there has been considerable redistribution of vorticity in the critical layer.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 161 , December 1985 , pp. 493 - 511
Copyright
© 1985 Cambridge University Press

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