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On the choice of radial boundary conditions for numerical models of sub‐synoptic vortex flows in the atmosphere, with application to dust devils
Author(s) -
Leslie L. M.,
Smith R. K.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
quarterly journal of the royal meteorological society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.744
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1477-870X
pISSN - 0035-9009
DOI - 10.1002/qj.49710343710
Subject(s) - vortex , boundary (topology) , atmosphere (unit) , boundary value problem , meteorology , tornado , mechanics , scale (ratio) , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , geology , physics , mathematics , mathematical analysis , quantum mechanics
This paper is a sequel to the recent numerical study of thermally driven vortices by the authors. the model developed earlier is used as a basis for comparing a variety of radial boundary conditions and to assess their suitability for models of ‘tall‐thin’ atmospheric vortices, in particular dust devils. We have also determined those aspects of vortex dynamics which are least sensitive to the choice of radial boundary condition, and those which have a stronger dependence. the results confirm the suitability of the boundary conditions used in the earlier study, for the purposes for which that study was intended, but more realistic boundary conditions are obtained for a dust devil model. The discussion should provide useful guidance in the design of future observational studies of dust devils and their immediate environment, and in the formulation of models for other types of sub‐synoptic‐scale vortices such as tornadoes and waterspouts.