On the mix-down times of dynamically active potential vorticity filaments

Author(s)
Polvani, Lorenzo M.; Esler Jr, Kenneth P; Plumb, R. Alan
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Abstract
A simple model is used to study the evolution of potential vorticity filaments, viewed in cross-section, subject to steady shear and deformation flows representative of the large-scale atmospheric circulation. It is found that the balanced, ageostrophic circulation induced by the anomalous potential vorticity can cause the evolution of a dynamically active filament to differ substantially from that of a dynamically passive filament in a similar background flow. It is suggested that estimates of the mix-down time of material contained in atmospheric filaments need to be corrected to allow for this effect.
Date issued
1999-10
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/108606
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Program in Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Citation
Esler, J. Gavin, Lorenzo M. Polvani, and R. Alan Plumb. “On the Mix-down Times of Dynamically Active Potential Vorticity Filaments.” Geophysical Research Letters 26, no. 19 (October 1, 1999): 2953–2956.
Version: Final published version
ISSN
0094-8276
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