Baroclinic large-amplitude geostrophic (LAG) models, which assume a leading-order
geostrophic balance but allow for large-amplitude isopycnal deflections, provide a
suitable framework to model the large-amplitude motions exhibited in frontal regions.
The qualitative dynamical characterization of LAG models depends critically on the
underlying length scale. If the length scale is sufficiently large, the effect of differential
rotation, i.e. the β-effect, enters the dynamics at leading order. For smaller length
scales, the β-effect, while non-negligible, does not enter the dynamics at leading
order. These two dynamical limits are referred to as strong-β and weak-β models,
respectively.A comprehensive description of the nonlinear dynamics associated with the strong-
β models is given. In addition to establishing two new nonlinear stability theorems,
we extend previous linear stability analyses to account for the finite-amplitude development
of perturbed fronts. We determine whether the linear solutions are subject
to nonlinear secondary instabilities and, in particular, a new long-wave–short-wave
(LWSW) resonance, which is a possible source of rapid unstable growth at long length
scales, is identified. The theoretical analyses are tested against numerical simulations.
The simulations confirm the importance of the LWSW resonance in the development
of the flow. Simulations show that instabilities associated with vanishing potential-
vorticity gradients can develop into stable meanders, eddies or breaking waves. By
examining models with different layer depths, we reveal how the dynamics associated
with strong-β models qualitatively changes as the strength of the dynamic coupling
between the barotropic and baroclinic motions varies.
Solution of the Burgers Equation in the Time Domain
