Abstract
Nonlinear interactions and feedbacks in frontal dynamics are studied with two-dimensional quasigeostrophic, semigeostrophic and primitive equation models for given cases of moderate surface cold fronts. According to the degree of approximation these feedbacks are in effect as a result of geostrophic and ageostrophic advection configuring the further frontal development and the associated energy-transfers between the geostrophic and the ageostrophic scales. The most prominent feedback processes, including the feedback connected with the ageostrophic along-front windvag, are theoretically reviewed. In cases of smallvag values, their effects on form and horizontal scale of the frontal secondary circulation are discussed by comparing the products of different model versions and the cross-frontal spectral analysis of the ageostrophic wind fields. To scrutinize the role played by thevag-field, further experiments were based on a hierarchy ofvag-substitutes parameterized by the momentum equation of the crossfrontal winddu/dt=fvag. Tentative results show the tendency towards very localized effects.
Published Version
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