Abstract
In development of baroclinic disturbances, baroclinity of basic temperature field varies with conversion of available potential energy. The growth rate which depends on the baroclinity varies as well. However, in previous linear theories, the growth rate was considered constant, so development of disturbances was not constrained by energy sources in the linear theories. In terms of energy conservation and conversion in an isolated atmosphere, we may study the variations in the baroclinity and growth rate and draw the corresponding pictures of perturbation developments in the varying environments. The amplification for the most unstable Eady wave is discussed as an example. It will be found that growth of baroclinic perturbations constrained by energy conservation is significantly different from the growth at the initial constant rate after mature stage.
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McHall, Y.L. Energetics constraint for linear disturbances development. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 10, 273–286 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02658133
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02658133