On the Theory of Atmospheric Development

Abstract

The baroclinic instability problem is formulated as an initial value problem to evaluate the effects of the initial configuration of the wave perturbation. The vertical shape of the initial perturbation is found to be as important as its wavelength in determining the energy conversions during the early stages of its development. The general character of the solution of the initial value problem is compared with normal mode studies of baroclinic instability. It is concluded that the initial value formulation bridges the gap between hydrodynamic stability theory and synoptic studies of cyclone development in the atmosphere.