On the Realizability of Strongly Divergent Supergradient Flows

Abstract

Time-dependent flow solutions for steady supergradient pressure patterns are presented for a variety of initial flow configurations. These solutions discriminate initial conditions and pressure patterns that produce stable and unstable flow evolutions. It is shown that steady-state divergent flows are realizable for commonly observed pressure patterns of the upper troposphere. In these cases, the steady state is approached on relatively short time scales. Solutions agree roughly with observed features of atmospheric flows and constitute a plausible explanation for strong upper level outflows.