The Theory of the Beta-Plane Baroclinic Topographic Modons

Abstract

Form-preserving, uniformly translating, horizontally localized solutions (modons) are considered within the framework of nondissipative quasi-geostrophic dynamics for a two-layer model with meridionally sloping bottom. A general classification of the beta-plane baroclinic topographic modons ( g -BTMs) is given, and three distinct domains are shown to exist in the plane of the parameters. The first domain corresponds to the regular modons with the translation speed outside the range of the phase speeds of linear waves. In the second domain, modons cannot exist: only non-localized solutions are permissible here. The third domain contains both linear periodic waves and the so-called anomalous modons traveling without resonant radiation. Exact modon solutions with piecewise linear relation between the potential vorticity and streamfunction are found and analyzed. Special attention is given to the smooth regular dipole-plus-rider solutions (anomalous modons cannot carry a smooth axisymmetric rider). As distinct from their flat-bottom analogs, g -BTMs may have nonzero total angular momentum. This feature combined with the ability of g -BTMs to bear smooth riders of arbitrary amplitude provides the existence of almost monopolar (in both layers) stationary vortices.