Numerical study of the McIntyre instability around Gaussian floating vortices in thermal wind balance

Michael Le Bars
Phys. Rev. Fluids 6, 093801 – Published 7 September 2021

Abstract

The viscodiffusive McIntyre instability [M. E. McIntyre, Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 1, 19 (1970)] has been suggested as a possible source for density layer formation around laboratory and oceanic vortices. This suggestion is here quantitatively addressed using idealized, axisymmetric, numerical simulations of a simple Gaussian-like vortex in thermal wind balance, floating in a rotating, stratified flow. Numerical simulations are complemented by a local stability analysis derived from the seminal study [M. E. McIntyre, Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 1, 19 (1970)]. It is confirmed that the McIntyre instability is responsible for the layering observed around laboratory vortices, but its relevance for explaining layering around meddies remains doubtful.

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  • Received 10 May 2021
  • Accepted 4 August 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.6.093801

©2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Fluid Dynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Michael Le Bars

  • CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Centrale Marseille, IRPHE, 13013 Marseille, France

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Issue

Vol. 6, Iss. 9 — September 2021

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