Eddy saturation in a reduced two-level model of the atmosphereKobras, M., Ambaum, M. H. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6824-8083 and Lucarini, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9392-1471 (2022) Eddy saturation in a reduced two-level model of the atmosphere. Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 116 (1). pp. 38-55. ISSN 0309-1929
It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing. To link to this item DOI: 10.1080/03091929.2021.1990912 Abstract/SummaryEddy saturation describes the nonlinear mechanism in geophysical flows whereby, when average conditions are considered, direct forcing of the zonal flow increases the eddy kinetic energy, while the energy associated with the zonal flow does not increase. Here we present a minimal baroclinic model that exhibits complete eddy saturation. Starting from Phillips’ classical quasi-geostrophic two-level model on the beta channel of the mid-latitudes, we derive a reduced order model comprising of six ordinary differential equations including parameterised eddies. This model features two physically realisable steady state solutions, one a purely zonal flow and one where, additionally, finite eddy motions are present. As the baroclinic forcing in the form of diabatic heating is increased, the zonal solution loses stability and the eddy solution becomes attracting. After this bifurcation, the zonal components of the solution are independent of the baroclinic forcing, and the excess of heat in the low latitudes is efficiently transported northwards by finite eddies, in the spirit of baroclinic adjustment.
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