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.
- Received 10 May 2021
- Accepted 4 August 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.6.093801
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