A Note on the Wavelength of Maximum Growth Rate for Baroclinic Instability

A. J. Simmons U.K. Universities Atmospheric Modelling Group, Department of Geophysics, University of Reading, England

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B. J. Hoskins U.K. Universities Atmospheric Modelling Group, Department of Geophysics, University of Reading, England

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Abstract

Baroclinic instability calculations published by Gall are repeated using the model developed by the authors for use in their own stability studies. Results indicate that some of the differences in the wavelength of maximum linear growth rate found previously may be accounted for by differences in flow profile, but there remains a discrepancy which is a likely consequence of either truncation error in Gall's calculations or a coding error in one or the other model (or both).

Abstract

Baroclinic instability calculations published by Gall are repeated using the model developed by the authors for use in their own stability studies. Results indicate that some of the differences in the wavelength of maximum linear growth rate found previously may be accounted for by differences in flow profile, but there remains a discrepancy which is a likely consequence of either truncation error in Gall's calculations or a coding error in one or the other model (or both).

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