Rossby waves with the change of β

Abstract

In this paper, the change of the Rossby parameter β with latitude is considered and the parameter γ≡−dβ/dy=2Ωsinϕ/a² is introduced and the β-plane approximation is extended into f=f₀+β₀y-Y₀y²/2 which includes the parameter γ. Such approximation closes further to practice especially in the high latitude regions.

We give emphasis to the research of the effect of the parameter γ on the Rossby waves. It is seen that the effect of the parameter γ is remarkable in the high latitude regions. It can produce the Rossby waves caused by the pure parameter γ. And the phase speed formula of Rossby waves with the change of β is generally given, which is degenerated into the well-known Rossby formula when Y₀=0. The researches also point out that when the change of β is regarded, even if the basic current ū is a linear function of y the unstable modes can also take place. However, the parameter γ usually plays a stable part in the Rossby waves and it does affect the longitudinal scale and the structure of constant phase lines (trough-ridge lines) of Rossby waves and slow down the growing or decaying of Rossby waves.