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Article
Rossby Waves and Zonons in Zonostrophic Turbulence
AIP Conference Proceedings
  • Semion Sukoriansky, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
  • Nadejda Dikovskaya, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
  • Roger Grimshaw, Loughborough University
  • Boris Galperin, University of South Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3701355
Disciplines
Abstract

Two-dimensional, small-scale forced turbulent flows on the surface of a rotating sphere, along with the familiar Rossby-Haurwitz waves, reveal a new class of waves termed zonons. The zonons form non-dispersive wave packets that propagate in the westward direction with the velocity equal to the phase speed of the most energetic Rossby-Haurwitz wave. Zonons preserve their identity even after the forcing is switched off and the flow undergoes structural reorganization. Zonons reside in locations with the maximum meridional shear and are engaged in strong energy exchange with themean flow. These physical properties of zonons point to their identitywith Rossby solitary waves. The symbiosis between themean flow and the solitarywaves plays an important role in the large-scale dynamics.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

AIP Conference Proceedings, v. 1439, art. 111

Citation Information
Semion Sukoriansky, Nadejda Dikovskaya, Roger Grimshaw and Boris Galperin. "Rossby Waves and Zonons in Zonostrophic Turbulence" AIP Conference Proceedings Vol. 1439 (2012)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/boris-galperin/51/