Abstract
The non-normal mode initialization, i.e., an initialization scheme which does not require an explicit computation of the eigenmodes of the linearized equations, is reviewed. The formulation of such a scheme is given in abstract form, in the case of the Machenhauer initialization scheme as well as in the case of higher-order schemes. The particular case of a stationary Rossby mode is examined in detail. In this case, the separation between slow modes and fast gravity modes is explicitly given, and it is conjectured that the formulation of non-normal mode initialization can be given only in such a case. An application to the shallow-water equations, which includes the main β-terms in the linearization is given as a result of the preceding formulation. Such a scheme extends the previous scheme proposed by Bourke and McGregor.
