Topographic Instability: Tests

Abstract

Abstract Theories of topographic instability predict growth of perturbations of mean flow and wave modes due to their interaction with mountains under favorable conditions. Mountain torques form an important part of this interaction. It has been suggested that topographic instabilities contribute significantly to the subseasonal variability of the atmosphere but observational tests of topographic instability mechanisms have not yet been performed. Greenland is selected as a test bed because of its isolation, simple shape, and appropriate size. The observed flow development during mountain torque events is investigated in terms of a regression analysis. Changes of axial angular momentum and zonal mean wind with respect to the torques are monitored for domains covering Greenland since the acceleration (deceleration) of the regional zonal flow in response to a positive (negative) torque is a key feature of topographic instability. In particular, southern and northern analysis domains are considered separately in order to test “dipole” instability theories in addition to “monopole” situations where the meridional extent of the pressure perturbations is similar to that of Greenland. Moreover, zonal bands are used as analysis domains. It is found that the response of the zonal wind to the torques is quite small and not systematic. There is no evidence of monopole or dipole topographic instability. A less detailed analysis for the Tibetan Plateau leads to the same result. Reasons for these negative outcomes are discussed as are shortcomings of the tests.