Restrictions and Alternative Formulation of the Quasi-Geostrophic Barotropic Channel Model

Sandro Rambaldi Department of Physics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Sandro Rambaldi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Anna Trevisan C.N.R., FISBAT Gruppo Dinamica Atmosferica, Istituto di Fisica, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Anna Trevisan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Abstract

We derive for a channel model a meridional boundary condition that is equivalent to Phillip's one, but is simpler to implement. We then show that the presence of Ekman dissipation in a quasi-geostrophic channel model with rigid lateral walls, combined with Phillip's boundary conditions, implies the presence of a uniform forcing throughout the channel. We also find a new constraint on the initial field. We finally proposed an alternative formulation to the model using our meridional boundary condition.

Abstract

We derive for a channel model a meridional boundary condition that is equivalent to Phillip's one, but is simpler to implement. We then show that the presence of Ekman dissipation in a quasi-geostrophic channel model with rigid lateral walls, combined with Phillip's boundary conditions, implies the presence of a uniform forcing throughout the channel. We also find a new constraint on the initial field. We finally proposed an alternative formulation to the model using our meridional boundary condition.

Save