Structure and evolution of singular vectors in the Eady model

✍ Scribed by T. H. A. Frame; N. K. Nichols; A. J. Thorpe

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 260 KB
• Volume: 47
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0271-2091
• DOI: 10.1002/fld.908

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The singular vectors of the propagation matrix of a simple two‐dimensional model of the midlatitude atmospheric flow are calculated, in order to obtain initial conditions that achieve the maximum stream‐function amplification over a 24 h time period. Simple plane wave initial conditions are found to be a reasonable model for the amplification mechanism of the leading singular vector structures. The primary mechanism for growth is found to be the ‘untilting’ of the initial potential vorticity wavefronts. The existence of boundary wave structures is found to be the deciding factor in the zonal scale of perturbations and some evidence that these act against the primary growth mechanism is presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.