Global solutions for a family of GSQG front equations

Abstract

We prove the global existence of solutions with small and smooth initial data of a nonlinear dispersive equation for the motion of generalized surface quasi-geostrophic (GSQG) fronts in a parameter regime $1<\alpha<2$, where $\alpha=1$ corresponds to the SQG equation and $\alpha=2$ corresponds to the incompressible Euler equations. This result completes previous global well-posedness results for $0<\alpha \le 1$. We also use contour dynamics to derive the GSQG front equations for $1<\alpha<2$.