The instability of time-dependent jets

Abstract

The central focus of my thesis is to study the instability jets of various complexity by analyzing the linear and nonlinear dynamics. We applied this methodology to four different situations in order to learn the following. First, what asymmetries develop between cyclones and anticyclones because of finite variations in the free surface? Second, how is the stability of a jet flowing along a topographic step altered by the topography beneath? Third, can parametric instability arise in shear flows? Fourth, can an idealized model of a tidally and topographically forced coastal jet develop instabilities, and if so, can these instabilities become turbulent?