Vortices and internal waves in a stratified fluid
The author considers the motion, in the gravity field, of an inviscid stably stratified fluid filling a half-space, and derives the equations which describe the evolution of potential vortices and internal waves. Approximate solutions to this nonlinear problem are constructed by means of asymptotic series in small parameters. According to the given theory, the potential vortices present in the atmosphere can be exponentially amplified, which leads to the formation of powerful tornado-type vortices. Other mechanisms are also known for the formation of atmosphere vortices related to wind shifts and to the turning an unstable vortex sheet into a vortex ring. Which process plays a fundamental role in the actual occurrence of the vortex in the atmosphere? Further investigations are needed to give an answer to this question.
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 1077423