A note on the derivation of the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation
The derivation of the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation of mathematical meteorology is usually done using fairly sophisticated techniques of perturbation theory, but stops short of deriving self-consistently the stratification parameter of the mean atmospheric state. In this note we sug...
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
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2011
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| Summary: | The derivation of the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation of mathematical meteorology is usually done using fairly sophisticated techniques of perturbation theory, but stops short of deriving self-consistently the stratification parameter of the mean atmospheric state. In this note we suggest how this should be done within the confines of the theory, and as a consequence we raise the possibility that the atmosphere could become globally unstable, with dramatic consequences. © 2011 Taylor and Francis. |
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