Dynamic Stability of an Isentropic Shear Layer in a Statically Stable Medium

Abstract

Two theoretical models of shear layers in the atmosphere are examined. The conditions for their dynamic stability are found and their predictions of wavelength to layer-thickness ratio are compared with classical models and with available observational data. Although the models are only rigorously applicable to in-compressible fluids, it is suggested that they also represent conditions in the atmosphere, and clear-air returns published by Katz from the high-power pulse radar at Wallops Island are especially emphasized. Model 2 appears to be able to account for the narrow band characteristic of many of the observed events and also to explain better than other models the observed wavelength to layer-thickness ratios.