Shear Flow Instability over a Finite Time Interval

Abstract

Within the framework of a discrete quasi-geostrophic model with two vertical levels, the problem of linear stability of the flow of a stratified rotating fluid with constant vertical and horizontal velocity shifts is solved. It is shown that taking into account the horizontal shear leads to a qualitative change in the dynamics of unstable wave disturbances. The main feature is related to the effect of temporary exponential growth of unstable perturbations, i.e. growth over a finite time period. This effect manifests itself in the alternation of stages of smooth oscillating behavior (in time) with stages of exponential (explosive) growth of finite duration. A kinematic interpretation of the effect of temporal exponential growth is given, which is associated with the passage of a time-dependent perturbation wave vector through the region of exponential instability that exists in the absence of a horizontal shear. It is shown that mathematically this effect is described by solutions of a second-order differential equation containing turning points. Asymptotic solutions of the equation are given for weak horizontal shifts.