Equatorial waves and instabilities in astrophysical shear flows

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Magnetic fields are often thought to be a stabilising influence on shear flows, but this is not always the case. This project would investigate the ways in which the addition of magnetic fields can change the stability properties of the underlying purely hydrodynamic flows, which is already subject to rotation and density stratification in typical applications. The focus will be on equatorial flows, where there are often strong jets that can become hydrodynamically unstable. In particular, this project will extend the theory of hydrodynamic equatorial inertial instabilities to allow for magnetic fields. There are applications to understanding the stability of planetary and stellar atmospheres and interiors, and understanding the strength of equatorial jets on hot Jupiters.