Abstract

Abstract The effects of three distinct stratifications on density current dynamics are investigated using a nonhydrostatic numerical model: (i) a stably stratified layer underneath a deep neutrally stratified flow, representing a nocturnal boundary layer over land; (ii) a neutrally stratified layer underlying a deep stably stratified flow, representing a daytime boundary layer; and (iii) a continuously stratified atmosphere. In the first case, a weak or intermediate stratification decreases the height of density currents and increases the propagation speed. The same result holds in strongly stratified situations as long as the generated disturbances in the neighborhood of the head do not propagate away. Classical density currents occur in weak stratification, multiheaded density currents in intermediate stratification, and multiheaded density currents with solitary wave–like or borelike disturbances propagating ahead of the current in strong stratification. In the second case, the upper-layer stratificati...

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