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    Original Research Papers

    On resonant Rossby–Haurwitz triads

    Author:

    Peter Lynch

    Meteorology & Climate Centre, School of Mathematical Sciences, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4, IE
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    Abstract

    The dynamics of non-divergent flow on a rotating sphere are described by the conservation of absolute vorticity. The analytical study of the non-linear barotropic vorticity equation is greatly facilitated by the expansion of the solution in spherical harmonics and truncation at low order. The normal modes are the well-known Rossby—Haurwitz (RH) waves, which represent the natural oscillations of the system. Triads of RH waves, which satisfy conditions for resonance, are of critical importance for the distribution of energy in the atmosphere.

    We show how non-linear interactions of resonant RH triads may result in dynamic instability of large-scale components. We also demonstrate a mathematical equivalence between the equations for an orographically forced triad and a simple mechanical system, the forced-damped swinging spring. This equivalence yields insight concerning the bounded response to a constant forcing in the absence of damping. An examination of triad interactions in atmospheric reanalysis data would be of great interest.

    How to Cite: Lynch, P., 2009. On resonant Rossby–Haurwitz triads. Tellus A: Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography, 61(3), pp.438–445. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0870.2008.00395.x
      Published on 01 Jan 2009
    Peer Reviewed
     CC BY 4.0
     Accepted on 23 Jan 2009            Submitted on 21 Aug 2008

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