Influence of Potential Vorticity Distributions on Rossby Wave Propagation in the Troposphere and Stratosphere

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This project aims to improve our fundamental understanding of linear and non-linear planetary scale wave motions, including wave propagation and breaking, in realistically complex atmospheric flows. Particular attention will be paid to the stratospheric polar vortex, where chemical and dynamical processes can lead to severe reductions in the total ozone column, and which is also believed to play a role in both climate trends and in shorter term predictability of surface weather patterns. Two complementary paradigms involving Rossby wave motion will be examined in which respective basic states comprise either smooth or discontinuous distributions of the potential vorticity. Traditionally, the former paradigm has received more attention, despite the fact that potential vorticity distributions in the winter stratosphere tend to form almost discontinuous, step-like structures. In this study, gradients will be examined in numerical models and the ideal configuration of horizontal and vertical resolution in such models will be explored.