Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/80112
Title: Hyperbolic lines and the stratospheric polar vortex
Authors: Koh, Tieh Yong.
Legras, Bernard.
Keywords: DRNTU::Science::Geology
Issue Date: 2002
Source: Koh, T. Y., & Legras, B. (2002). Hyperbolic lines and the stratospheric polar vortex. Chaos, 12(2), 382-394.
Series/Report no.: Chaos
Abstract: The necessary and sufficient conditions for Lagrangian hyperbolicity recently derived in the literature are reviewed in the light of older concepts of effective local rotation in strain coordinates. In particular, we introduce the simple interpretation of the necessary condition as a constraint on the local angular displacement in strain coordinates. These mathematically rigorous conditions are applied to the winter stratospheric circulation of the southern hemisphere, using analyzed wind data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Our results demonstrate that the sufficient condition is too strong and the necessary condition is too weak, so that both conditions fail to identify hyperbolic lines in the stratosphere. However a phenomenological, nonrigorous, criterion based on the necessary condition reveals the hyperbolic structure of the flow. Another still nonrigorous alternative is the finite-size Lyapunov exponent FSLE which is shown to produce good candidates for hyperbolic lines. In addition, we also tested the sufficient condition for Lagrangian ellipticity and found that it is too weak to detect elliptic coherent structures ECS in the stratosphere, of which the polar vortex is an obvious candidate. Yet, the FSLE method reveals a clear ECS-like barrier to mixing along the polar vortex edge. Further theoretical advancement is needed to explain the apparent success of nonrigorous methods, such as the FSLE approach, so as to achieve a sound kinematic understanding of chaotic mixing in the winter stratosphere and other geophysical flows.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/80112
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8224
ISSN: 1054-1500
DOI: 10.1063/1.1480442
Rights: © 2002 American Institute of Physics. This paper was published in Chaos and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of American Institute of Physics. The paper can be found at the following official URL: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1480442]. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Fulltext Permission: open
Fulltext Availability: With Fulltext
Appears in Collections:EOS Journal Articles

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