New exact spatially localized solutions of the (3 + 1) -dimensional nonlinear non-dissipative quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation for an exponential atmosphere

Abstract

New exact spatially localized stationary solutions against the background of a zonal flow are found for the (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear non-dissipative quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation, which describes Rossby waves and vortices in an exponential atmosphere. In total, three solutions are presented. The nonlinear boundary conditions with a flat bottom and a rigid lid generate an infinite discrete set of baroclinic modes for each solution. The solutions show the possibility of existence of baroclinic dipoles in the exponential atmosphere, similar to baroclinic dipoles in the ocean. It is shown that: a) a pair of vortices in the baroclinic dipole appears and disappears when the velocity of stationary motion changes; b) the baroclinic dipoles show the ability to transfer warm or cold air depending on the polarity of the vortices in the dipole.