91̽»¨

Abstract:

The study of baroclinic instability has its origins in attempts to explain the genesis of midlatitude synoptic storm systems. The authors provide an account of the fundamental material and unfamiliar aspects of the linear theory. Essential observational background is provided in section 2, and the mathematical basics are laid out in section 3. The review for the most part focuses on quasigeostrophic dynamics, considering only dry dynamics. Discussion is slanted towards the terrestrial atmosphere. Stability criteria are treated in section 4, and normal modes are discussed in section 5. Aspects of the linear initial value problem are taken up in section 6. Section 7 considers briefly the difficult subject of nonlinear equilibration. Finally, section 8, takes stock of where the subject stands and where it is going. (from Authors)