Nonlinear instability of a Rossby-wavecritical layer
- 1 December 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
- Vol. 161 (-1) , 493-511
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022112085003020
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.Keywords
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