Instabilities of buoyancy-driven coastal currents and their nonlinear evolution in the two-layer rotating shallow water model. Part 2. Active lower layer

2010 ◽  
Vol 665 ◽  
pp. 209-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. GULA ◽  
V. ZEITLIN ◽  
F. BOUCHUT
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Nonlinear Evolution ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Finite Volume Scheme ◽  
Coastal Currents ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rotating Shallow Water

This paper is the second part of the work on linear and nonlinear stability of buoyancy-driven coastal currents. Part 1, concerning a passive lower layer, was presented in the companion paper Gula & Zeitlin (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 659, 2010, p. 69). In this part, we use a fully baroclinic two-layer model, with active lower layer. We revisit the linear stability problem for coastal currents and study the nonlinear evolution of the instabilities with the help of high-resolution direct numerical simulations. We show how nonlinear saturation of the ageostrophic instabilities leads to reorganization of the mean flow and emergence of coherent vortices. We follow the same lines as in Part 1 and, first, perform a complete linear stability analysis of the baroclinic coastal currents for various depths and density ratios. We then study the nonlinear evolution of the unstable modes with the help of the recent efficient two-layer generalization of the one-layer well-balanced finite-volume scheme for rotating shallow water equations, which allows the treatment of outcropping and loss of hyperbolicity associated with shear, Kelvin–Helmholtz type, instabilities. The previous single-layer results are recovered in the limit of large depth ratios. For depth ratios of order one, new baroclinic long-wave instabilities come into play due to the resonances among Rossby and frontal- or coastal-trapped waves. These instabilities saturate by forming coherent baroclinic vortices, and lead to a complete reorganization of the initial current. As in Part 1, Kelvin fronts play an important role in this process. For even smaller depth ratios, short-wave shear instabilities with large growth rates rapidly develop. We show that at the nonlinear stage they produce short-wave meanders with enhanced dissipation. However, they do not change, globally, the structure of the mean flow which undergoes secondary large-scale instabilities leading to coherent vortex formation and cutoff.

Instabilities of buoyancy-driven coastal currents and their nonlinear evolution in the two-layer rotating shallow-water model. Part 1. Passive lower layer

2010 ◽  
Vol 659 ◽  
pp. 69-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. GULA ◽  
V. ZEITLIN
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Nonlinear Evolution ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Unstable Mode ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Coastal Currents ◽  
Mean Flow

Buoyancy-driven coastal currents, which are bounded by a coast and a surface density front, are ubiquitous and play essential role in the mesoscale variability of the ocean. Their highly unstable nature is well known from observations, laboratory and numerical experiments. In this paper, we revisit the linear stability problem for such currents in the simplest reduced-gravity model and study nonlinear evolution of the instability by direct numerical simulations. By using the collocation method, we benchmark the classical linear stability results on zero-potential-vorticity (PV) fronts, and generalize them to non-zero-PV fronts. In both cases, we find that the instabilities are due to the resonance of frontal and coastal waves trapped in the current, and identify the most unstable long-wave modes. We then study the nonlinear evolution of the unstable modes with the help of a new high-resolution well-balanced finite-volume numerical scheme for shallow-water equations. The simulations are initialized with the unstable modes obtained from the linear stability analysis. We found that the principal instability saturates in two stages. At the first stage, the Kelvin component of the unstable mode breaks, forming a Kelvin front and leading to the reorganization of the mean flow through dissipative and wave–mean flow interaction effects. At the second stage, a new, secondary unstable mode of the Rossby type develops on the background of the reorganized mean flow, and then breaks, forming coherent vortex structures. We investigate the sensitivity of this scenario to the along-current boundary and initial conditions. A study of the same problem in the framework of the fully baroclinic two-layer model will be presented in the companion paper.

Instabilities of coupled density fronts and their nonlinear evolution in the two-layer rotating shallow-water model: influence of the lower layer and of the topography

2013 ◽  
Vol 716 ◽  
pp. 528-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Ribstein ◽  
Vladimir Zeitlin
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Nonlinear Evolution ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Phase Locking ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Shallow Water Model ◽  
Wave Instability ◽  
Rotating Shallow Water ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Rotating Shallow Water Equations

AbstractWe undertake a detailed analysis of linear stability of geostrophically balanced double density fronts in the framework of the two-layer rotating shallow-water model on the $f$-plane with topography, the latter being represented by an escarpment beneath the fronts. We use the pseudospectral collocation method to identify and quantify different kinds of instabilities resulting from phase locking and resonances of frontal, Rossby, Poincaré and topographic waves. A swap in the leading long-wave instability from the classical barotropic form, resulting from the resonance of two frontal waves, to a baroclinic form, resulting from the resonance of Rossby and frontal waves, takes place with decreasing depth of the lower layer. Nonlinear development and saturation of these instabilities, and of an instability of topographic origin, resulting from the resonance of frontal and topographic waves, are studied and compared with the help of a new-generation well-balanced finite-volume code for multilayer rotating shallow-water equations. The results of the saturation for different instabilities are shown to produce very different secondary coherent structures. The influence of the topography on these processes is highlighted.

Wave-induced mean flows in rotating shallow water with uniform potential vorticity

2018 ◽  
Vol 839 ◽  
pp. 408-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Thomas ◽  
Oliver Bühler ◽  
K. Shafer Smith
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Rotation Rate ◽  
Standing Waves ◽  
Leading Order ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Wave Fields ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rotating Shallow Water ◽  
Wave Induced

Theoretical and numerical computations of the wave-induced mean flow in rotating shallow water with uniform potential vorticity are presented, with an eye towards applications in small-scale oceanography where potential-vorticity anomalies are often weak compared to the waves. The asymptotic computations are based on small-amplitude expansions and time averaging over the fast wave scale to define the mean flow. Importantly, we do not assume that the mean flow is balanced, i.e. we compute the full mean-flow response at leading order. Particular attention is paid to the concept of modified diagnostic relations, which link the leading-order Lagrangian-mean velocity field to certain wave properties known from the linear solution. Both steady and unsteady wave fields are considered, with specific examples that include propagating wavepackets and monochromatic standing waves. Very good agreement between the theoretical predictions and direct numerical simulations of the nonlinear system is demonstrated. In particular, we extend previous studies by considering the impact of unsteady wave fields on the mean flow, and by considering the total kinetic energy of the mean flow as a function of the rotation rate. Notably, monochromatic standing waves provide an explicit counterexample to the often observed tendency of the mean flow to decrease monotonically with the background rotation rate.

scholarly journals On strongly nonlinear gravity waves in a vertically sheared atmosphere

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-74
Author(s):  
Mark Schlutow ◽  
Georg S. Voelker
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Horizontal Wind ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Individual Layer ◽  
Strongly Nonlinear ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Stability

Abstract We investigate strongly nonlinear stationary gravity waves which experience refraction due to a thin vertical shear layer of horizontal background wind. The velocity amplitude of the waves is of the same order of magnitude as the background flow and hence the self-induced mean flow alters the modulation properties to leading order. In this theoretical study, we show that the stability of such a refracted wave depends on the classical modulation stability criterion for each individual layer, above and below the shearing. Additionally, the stability is conditioned by novel instability criteria providing bounds on the mean-flow horizontal wind and the amplitude of the wave. A necessary condition for instability is that the mean-flow horizontal wind in the upper layer is stronger than the wind in the lower layer.

scholarly journals Sediment Transport Processes during Barrier Island Inundation under Variations in Cross-Shore Geometry and Hydrodynamic Forcing

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Anita Engelstad ◽  
Gerben Ruessink ◽  
Piet Hoekstra ◽  
Maarten van der Vegt
Keyword(s):  
Sediment Transport ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Barrier Island ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Short Wave ◽  
Bedload Transport ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Flow Transport ◽  
The Mean

Inundation of barrier islands can cause severe morphological changes, from the break-up of islands to sediment accretion. The response will depend on island geometry and hydrodynamic forcing. To explore this dependence, the non-hydrostatic wave model SWASH was used to investigate the relative importance of bedload transport processes, such as transport by mean flow, short- (0.05–1 Hz) and infragravity (0.005–0.05 Hz) waves during barrier island inundation for different island configurations and hydrodynamic conditions. The boundary conditions for the model are based on field observations on a Dutch barrier island. Model results indicate that waves dominate the sediment transport processes from outer surfzone until landwards of the island crest, either by transporting sediment directly or by providing sediment stirring for the mean flow transport. Transport by short waves was continuously landwards directed, while infragravity wave and mean flow transport was seaward or landward directed. Landward of the crest, sediment transport was mostly dominated by the mean flow. It was forced by the water level gradient, which determined the mean flow transport direction and magnitude in the inner surfzone and on the island top. Simulations suggest that short wave and mean flow transport are generally larger on steeper slopes, since wave energy dissipation is less and mean flow velocities are higher. The slope of the island top and the width of the island foremost affect the mean flow transport, while variations in inundation depth will additionally affect transport by short-wave acceleration skewness.

Quasi-two-layer finite-volume scheme for modelling shallow water flows over an arbitrary bed in the presence of external force. II. Algorithm applications and numerical results

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirill V. Karelsky ◽  
Arakel S. Petrosyan ◽  
Alexander G. Slavin
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Finite Volume ◽  
External Force ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finite Volume Scheme ◽  
Water Flows ◽  
Shallow Water Flows ◽  
Scale Motion

AbstractA finite-volume numerical method for studying shallow water flows over an arbitrary bed profile in the presence of external force has been proposed in [33]. This method uses the quasi-two-layer model of hydrodynamic flows over a stepwise boundary with advanced consideration of the flow features near the step. A distinctive feature of the suggested model is a separation of the studied flow into two layers in calculating the flow quantities near each step, and improving by this means the approximation of depth-averaged solutions of the initial three-dimensional Euler equations. We are solving the shallow-water equations for one layer, introducing the fictitious lower layer only as an auxiliary structure in setting up the appropriate Riemann problems for the upper layer. Besides, the quasi-two-layer approach leads to the appearance of additional terms in the one-layer finite-difference representation of balance equations. Numerical simulations are performed based on the proposed in [33] algorithm of various physical phenomena, such as breakdown of the rectangular fluid column over an inclined plane, large-scale motion of fluid in the gravity field in the presence of Coriolis force over amounted obstacle on the underlying surface. Computations are made for the two-dimensional dam-break problem on a slope precisely conform to laboratory experiments. The interaction of the Tsunami wave with the shore line including an obstacle has been simulated to demonstrate the efficiency of the developed algorithm in domains, including partly flooded and dry regions.

Tidal Currents and Estuarine-Type Circulation in Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

1976 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 2242-2264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Lower Layer ◽  
Small Variation ◽  
Tidal Mixing ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Nonlinear Advection ◽  
Tide Height ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Stratified Estuary ◽  
Tidal Signal

Four months of current meter observations across the western basin of Johnstone Strait have been examined, with particular attention given to the mean flow and to variations at tidal frequencies. We show that the time-averaged motions are typical of a moderately stratified estuary driven by tidal mixing and nonlinear advection. Steady currents are nearly unidirectional at all depths with the net outflow in the upper layer essentially balanced by a net inflow in the lower layer to order 103 m3∙s−1. In addition, the relatively small variation in residual current speed is found to decrease with depth and to be associated mostly with the quasi-fortnightly tidal cycle. Near the surface the variance in the residual flow appears to be related to along-channel winds whose speeds and duration exceed 6 m∙s−1 and 24 h, respectively. Time-dependent motions are dominated by the tidal signal which is mixed, predominately semidiurnal. Maximum speeds of order 1 m∙s−1 are found at depth and are generally 1.5–1.7 times larger than in the upper layer. There is also a strong correlation between the tidal current speeds below 150-m depth and the local tide height lagged by 6 h. It is suggested that these large lower layer currents are associated with baroclinic motions being generated by the barotropic tide propagating over the rapidly shoaling bathymetry to the east of the observation region.

scholarly journals Influence of condensation and latent heat release upon barotropic and baroclinic instabilities of vortices in rotating shallow water f -plane model

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
LMD
Keyword(s):  
Heat Release ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Passive Scalar ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Moist Convection ◽  
Latent Heat Release ◽  
Rotating Shallow Water

Analysis of the influence of condensation and related latent heat release upon developing barotropic and baroclinic instabilities of large-scale low Rossby-number shielded vortices on the f - plane is performed within the moist-convective rotating shallow water model, in its barotropic (one-layer) and baroclinic (two-layer) versions. Numerical simulations with a high-resolution well-balanced finite-volume code, using a relaxation parameterisation for condensation, are made. Evolution of the instability in four different environments, with humidity (i) behaving as passive scalar, (ii) subject to condensation beyond a saturation threshold, (iii) sub-ject to condensation and evaporation, with two different parameterisations of the latter, are inter-ompared.The simulations are initialised with unstable modes determined from the detailed linear stability analysis in the “dry” version of the model. In a configuration corresponding to low-level mid-latitude atmospheric vortices, it is shown that the known scenario of evolution of barotropically unstable vortices, consisting information of a pair of dipoles (“dipolar breakdown”) is substantially modified by condensation and related moist convection, especially in the presence of surface evaporation. No enhancement of the instability due to precipitation was detected in this case. Cyclone-anticyclone asymmetry with respect to sensitivity tothe moist effects is evidenced. It is shown that inertia-gravity wave emission during the vortex evolution is enhanced by the moist effects. In the baroclinic configuration corresponding to idealised cut-off lows in the atmosphere, it is shown that the azimuthal structure of the leading unstable mode is sensitive to the details of stratification. Scenarios of evolution are completely different for different azimuthal structures, one leading to dipolar breaking, and another to tripole formation. The effects of moisture considerably enhance the perturbations in the lower layer, especially in the tripole formation scenario.

Overtransmission of Rossby Waves at a Lower-Layer Critical Latitude in the Two-Layer Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 859-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew T. Gliatto ◽  
Isaac M. Held
Keyword(s):  
Rossby Waves ◽  
Lower Layer ◽  
Scattering Problem ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
External Mode ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Critical Latitude ◽  
Pv Gradient

Abstract Rossby waves, propagating from the midlatitudes toward the tropics, are typically absorbed by critical latitudes (CLs) in the upper troposphere. However, these waves typically encounter CLs in the lower troposphere first. We study a two-layer linear scattering problem to examine the effects of lower CLs on these waves. We begin with a review of the simpler barotropic case to orient the reader. We then progress to the baroclinic case using a two-layer quasigeostrophic model in which there is vertical shear in the mean flow on which the waves propagate, and in which the incident wave is assumed to be an external-mode Rossby wave. We use linearized equations and add small damping to remove the critical-latitude singularities. We consider cases in which either there is only one CL, in the lower layer, or there are CLs in both layers, with the lower-layer CL encountered first. If there is only a CL in the lower layer, the wave’s response depends on the sign of the mean potential vorticity gradient at this lower-layer CL: if the PV gradient is positive, then the CL partially absorbs the wave, as in the barotropic case, while for a negative PV gradient, the CL is a wave emitter, and can potentially produce overreflection and/or overtransmission. Our numerical results indicate that overtransmission is by far the dominant response in these cases. When an upper-layer absorbing CL is encountered, following the lower-layer encounter, one can still see the signature of overtransmission at the lower-layer CL.

scholarly journals The Growth and Saturation of Submesoscale Instabilities in the Presence of a Barotropic Jet

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 2779-2797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan A. Stamper ◽  
John R. Taylor ◽  
Baylor Fox-Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Linear Stability Analysis ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Boussinesq Equations ◽  
Small Region ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
The Mean

AbstractMotivated by recent observations of submesoscales in the Southern Ocean, we use nonlinear numerical simulations and a linear stability analysis to examine the influence of a barotropic jet on submesoscale instabilities at an isolated front. Simulations of the nonhydrostatic Boussinesq equations with a strong barotropic jet (approximately matching the observed conditions) show that submesoscale disturbances and strong vertical velocities are confined to a small region near the initial frontal location. In contrast, without a barotropic jet, submesoscale eddies propagate to the edges of the computational domain and smear the mean frontal structure. Several intermediate jet strengths are also considered. A linear stability analysis reveals that the barotropic jet has a modest influence on the growth rate of linear disturbances to the initial conditions, with at most a ~20% reduction in the growth rate of the most unstable mode. On the other hand, a basic state formed by averaging the flow at the end of the simulation with a strong barotropic jet is linearly stable, suggesting that nonlinear processes modify the mean flow and stabilize the front.

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