Flows due to a thermal gradient
Abstract
This is a simple demonstation to show the behavior of fluid flow in a rotating frame. This section starts with a presentation of geostrophic flows and a demonstration of Taylor columns. The baroclinic constraint is relaxed, and the thermal wind equation is shown. Lastly, the rotation rate is increased to demonstrate the effect of baroclinic instability.
Table of Contents
Notes
The notation convention used in the subsequent pages in equations pertaining to this topic assigns the z-direction as the direction of rotation. The direction of rotation is also referred to as the vertical direction. The plane perpendicular to the rotation is referred to as the perpendicular plane or the horizontal direction. The variables are relatively consistent with literatures on atmospheric science. References are also provided.