Research in Linear and Finite Amplitude Baroclinic Waves

在他之前的获奖期间，佩德洛斯基博士和他的同事们在与两个一般主题相关的研究方面取得了重要的理论进展。首先是继续努力在线性和非线性理论中更好地理解斜压不稳定的动力学，特别强调摇摆和混沌行为的现象。这项研究涉及到使用理想化的两层模式来解释基波过程，其结果适用于大气和海洋动力学。第二个广泛领域涉及发展一般海洋环流的基本理论，特别是赤道地区的温跃层及其延伸。根据这一奖项，佩德洛斯基博士将使用分析和数值技术来扩展他之前的结果。将研究五个主题：(1)纬向非均匀流中的局地不稳定行为，(2)强非线性条件下的波波相互作用，(3)耗散机制在波浪演变中的作用，(4)赤道潜流与大洋盆地西部边界其他环流的关系，(5)陡坡地形对大洋西边界流动力和结构的影响。这项研究由大型动力气象学和物理海洋学项目联合提供支持。

Under his previous award, Dr. Pedlosky and his colleagues have made important theoretical advances in research related to two general themes. The first is a continuing effort to better understand the dynamics of baroclinic instability in both linear and nonlinear theories, with special emphasis on the phenomena of vacillation and chaotic behavior. The research involves the use of idealized two-layer models to illuminate fundamental wave processes and the results are applicable to both atmospheric and oceanic dynamics. The second broad area involves the development of a basic theory for the general oceanic circulation, in particular, the thermocline and its extension of the equatorial regions. Under this award, Dr. Pedlosky will extend his previous results, using both analytical and numerical techniques. Five topics will be investigated: (1) the behavior of localized instabilities in zonally inhomogeneous flows, (2) wave-wave interaction under strongly nonlinear conditions, (3) the role of the dissipation mechanism in the wave evolution, (4) the relationship of the Equatorial Undercurrent to other circulations at the western boundary of ocean basins, and (5) the effect of steeply sloping topography on the dynamics and structure of oceanic western boundary currents. Support for this research is provided jointly by the Large-scale Dynamic Meteorology and Physical Oceanography Programs.