Midterm: UNIT FOUR Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
What is quasi-geostrophic theory?
A
A more advanced set of equations formulated in the shallow water system, where the two balances are almost satisfied:
-geostrophic and hydrostatic
2
Q
Assumptions for quasi-geostrophic?
A
Ro number is small
Length scales L = L_d
–> appropriate for describing mid-lat weather and ocean eddies
3
Q
How is flow splitted in atm for q-g?
A
Geostrophic + ageostrophic part and retain several of the terms where ageostrophic appears
4
Q
What is potential vorticity in q-g?
A
Again, conserved quantity of a moving fluid element –> predictive powers
5
Q
What waves does q-g represent?
A
Ressemble the continental scale waves: called the Rossby waves
- Jet streams
6
Q
How do we get intense low-pressure systems?
A
Mathematical theories of instability in the background flow
- Baroclinic and Barotropic instabilities
