Abstract
An attempt has been made to relate the morphological characteristics of intense convective vortices, such as waterspouts and dust devils, to their hydrodynamic stability. The symmetric stability of cyclostrophically balanced vertical baroclinic vortices, whose radius of maximum wind depends on height, is considered. It shows the stability of narrow vortices, nearly cylindrical at the bottom, with a radius that then increases with height at an increasing rate and becomes infinite at a finite level above the Earth’s surface. On the contrary, wider conical vortices satisfy the necessary condition of instability, and it is hypothesized that this partly explains the more diffuse, disorganized nature of this kind of dust devils. The possibility of taking into account the general rotation in the problem is considered.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Известия Российской академии наук. Физика атмосферы и океана
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.