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A Lagrangian mean theory of wave, mean‐Flow interaction with applications to nonacceleration and its breakdown
Author(s) -
Dunkerton Timothy
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg018i002p00387
Subject(s) - lagrangian , stokes drift , mean flow , physics , rossby wave , flow (mathematics) , dissipation , stratosphere , classical mechanics , statistical physics , theoretical physics , wave propagation , meteorology , quantum mechanics , mechanics , turbulence , atmospheric sciences
A review is given of a new Lagrangian mean theory of wave transport. Attention is focused on the so‐called ‘nonacceleration’ theorem, and it is shown that such a theorem arises naturally in the Lagrangian mean framework. Also discussed is a simple example of the Stokes drift, a concept which is central to nonacceleration. The Lagrangian mean theory substantially simplifies and unifies our understanding of wave driving in cases where nonacceleration is violated because of wave transience and dissipation. Moreover, the theory has given new insights in one particular case, that of Rossby gravity wave, meanflow interaction. These insights have successfully explained some hitherto unresolved paradoxes in the theory of the quasi‐biennial oscillation of zonal wind in the equatorial stratosphere. Some brief remarks are also made concerning some of the outstanding difficulties of the theory in need of future investigation.