Eddy saturation in a reduced two-level model of the atmosphere

Kobras, M., Ambaum, M. H. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6824-8083 and Lucarini, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9392-1471 (2022) Eddy saturation in a reduced two-level model of the atmosphere. Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 116 (1). pp. 38-55. ISSN 0309-1929 doi: 10.1080/03091929.2021.1990912

Abstract/Summary

Eddy saturation describes the nonlinear mechanism in geophysical flows whereby, when average conditions are considered, direct forcing of the zonal flow increases the eddy kinetic energy, while the energy associated with the zonal flow does not increase. Here we present a minimal baroclinic model that exhibits complete eddy saturation. Starting from Phillips’ classical quasi-geostrophic two-level model on the beta channel of the mid-latitudes, we derive a reduced order model comprising of six ordinary differential equations including parameterised eddies. This model features two physically realisable steady state solutions, one a purely zonal flow and one where, additionally, finite eddy motions are present. As the baroclinic forcing in the form of diabatic heating is increased, the zonal solution loses stability and the eddy solution becomes attracting. After this bifurcation, the zonal components of the solution are independent of the baroclinic forcing, and the excess of heat in the low latitudes is efficiently transported northwards by finite eddies, in the spirit of baroclinic adjustment.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/100820
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/03091929.2021.1990912
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Statistics Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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