Generalizations of the rotating flame effect

Abstract

A basic fluid state of vertical thickness h, static stability s and rotation rate f/2) is perturbed by an arbitrary distribution of heat sources and sinks which propagate in the azimuthal direction with relative frequency ?. If (f² ? ?²) (?² ? gs)^?1 > 0 the forced azimuthal perturbations pump kinetic energy and ?-directed angular momentum to infinite radii. At the mean radius of the heat sources there is a compensating “torque” which causes a mean spin of the air in the opposite sense to ?. In this generalization of the “rotating flame effect” quasi-linear theory is used but viscosity is neglected. It is suggested that the condensation-evaporation heating in a developing cloud acts in a similar manner to these heat sources. An application to the problem of Tornadogenesis is suggested. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1971.tb00554.x