Is the midlatitude zonal flow absolutely unstable
Journal Article
·
· Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences; (United States)
- Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman (United States)
- Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
In this work, an analysis is performed of the growth and propagation of unstable baroclinic wave packets in midlatitude zonal currents. The absolute growth rates are calculated, incorporating the effects of Ekman friction and barotropic shear. These effects do not alter earlier conclusions that a finite easterly low-level wind is required for absolute instability in models with continuous shear. A measure of linear growth is proposed, which could be suitable for diagnostic studies. Consequences of the results for the nature of storm tracks are discussed. 16 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6779876
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences; (United States) Vol. 50:4; ISSN JAHSAK; ISSN 0022-4928
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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