FN Archimer Export Format
PT J
TI The alignment of two three-dimensional quasi-geostrophic vortices
BT 
AF Reinaud, Jean N.
   Carton, Xavier
AS 1:1;2:2;
FF 1:;2:;
C1 School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
   LOPS, IUEM/UBO, Technopôle Brest-Iroise, Plouzané, France
C2 UNIV ST ANDREWS, UK
   UBO, FRANCE
UM LOPS
IN WOS Cotutelle UMR
   copubli-europe
IF 1.451
TC 4
UR https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00600/71259/69643.pdf
LA English
DT Article
DE ;Vortex dynamics;vortex alignment;quasi-geostrophy
AB We consider the interaction between two quasi-geostrophic vortices of height-to-width aspect ratio h/r, lying at two different vertical levels. We investigate whether such structures naturally align. In the case the vortices occupy distinct yet contiguous vertical levels, such an alignment can contribute to the growth in volume of oceanic mesoscale vortices. The other growth mechanism is the merger of vortices sharing common vertical levels. We show that there exist titled equilibrium states where vortices nearly align slantwise. Most equilibria for prolate vortices (h/r>1) are stable apart in a very narrow region of the parameter space. The instability is however normally non-destructive. Pairs of oblate vortices may also be in an unstable equilibria if they are moderately offset in the horizontal direction. In this case, the instability may result in the shedding of filamentary potentially vorticity away from the vortices. This shedding of potential vorticity may result in the further alignment of the main structures. 
PY 2020
PD SEP
SO Geophysical And Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
SN 0309-1929
PU Informa UK Limited
VL 114
IS 4-5
UT 000482678000001
BP 524
EP 560
DI 10.1080/03091929.2019.1653462
ID 71259
ER

EF