Title
Linear stability theory of zonal shear flows with a free surface
Abbreviated Journal Title
Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn.
Keywords
zonal flow stability; Rossby waves; ocean free surface effect; BAROTROPIC INSTABILITY; Astronomy & Astrophysics; Geochemistry & Geophysics; Mechanics
Abstract
We investigate the linear stability of zonal shear flows with a free surface (like the flow in oceans) taking into account the buoyancy effects at the deformed free surface. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of neutral and unstable modes are established, and a semicircle theorem for unstable modes is deduced. An upper bound on the growth rate of an unstable mode is established. We have given a sufficient condition for stability that has a close resemblance with Miles' criterion for stability of a continuously stratified shear flow. The number of distinct unstable modes is shown not to exceed the number of neutral modes. The stability characteristics of smoothly-varying unbounded shear-layer flow profiles for long-wave disturbances are investigated. Finally, stability of a linear zonal flow velocity profile and a zonal Bickley jet-flow profile are investigated. Some of these results are new even in the special barotropic case (with no free-surface effect).
Journal Title
Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
Volume
95
Issue/Number
1-2
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
31
Last Page
53
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0309-1929
Recommended Citation
"Linear stability theory of zonal shear flows with a free surface" (2001). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 8222.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/8222