ROSSBY WAVES IN A BAROCLINIC, COMPRESSIBLE ATMOSPHERE.
Abstract
A differential equation governing the motion of largescale disturbances is solved for steady, finite disturbances in a uniform basic current, and the results are compared with finite-amplitude Rossby waves in an incompressible, homogeneous fluid. It is found that if the vertical velocities are identically zero, neither the baroclinicity nor the compressibility has any effect. When vertical motion is allowed, the speed of the waves is strongly affected by the baroclinicity but quite unaffected by the compressibility. The wave speed relative to the resting fluid is about twenty-five percent less than the Rossby wave speed when the vertical velocity is of one sign along a vertical. The problem is solved completely in two cases, an incompressible atmosphere, and a fluid with compressibility properties similar to those of air. Both compressibility and baroclinicity have important quantitative effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0608561
Entities
People
- Robert R. Long
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University