Normal mode theory of lee cyclogenesis and the initial value problem

Abstract

An initial value problem is proposed to study the influence of mountains upon atmospheric flows. The normal mode, quasigeostrophic theory of lee cyclogenesis is revisited; in order to model Alpine cyclogenesis, the flow, upon which the mountain acts, should represent a cyclone wave propagating eastward in a sheared zonal current. Two different models are considered in order to describe cyclone waves: an unstable Eady normal mode and a finite amplitude, neutral Rossby mode in the two layer model. It is shown that the topographic modifications proper of normal modes emerge very rapidly from the integration of the initial value problem. It is also shown that an enhanced deepening of the upper level trough can occur when finite amplitude effects are taken into account.