Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

The Transfer of Angular Momentum from Vortices to Gravity Swirl Waves

George Chimonas Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia

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Heather M. Hauser Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia

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Print Publication:
01 Jul 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0469(1997)054<1701:TTOAMF>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
1701–1711
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Abstract

Gravity swirl waves are three-dimensional internal gravity waves in cylindrical coordinates. A radially propagating gravity swirl wave transports angular momentum from a central source region to distant regions of the atmosphere. Accordingly, atmospheric conditions that support propagating internal waves allow a vortex to decay by radiating away its rotation, while regions of neutral stability around the vortex insulate it from such losses. This may be a factor in determining whether convective storm cells attain strong rotation.

Corresponding author address: Dr. George Chimonas, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0340.

Email: george.chimonas@eas.gatech.edu

Abstract

Gravity swirl waves are three-dimensional internal gravity waves in cylindrical coordinates. A radially propagating gravity swirl wave transports angular momentum from a central source region to distant regions of the atmosphere. Accordingly, atmospheric conditions that support propagating internal waves allow a vortex to decay by radiating away its rotation, while regions of neutral stability around the vortex insulate it from such losses. This may be a factor in determining whether convective storm cells attain strong rotation.

Corresponding author address: Dr. George Chimonas, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0340.

Email: george.chimonas@eas.gatech.edu

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Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences

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