Shallow-water potential vorticity
In a smooth inviscid single-layer shallow-water model without mass exchange or external torque, q=(ζ+f)/h is materially conserved: Dq/Dt=0, with ζ=∂v/∂x−∂u/∂y.
Key knowledge
In a smooth inviscid single-layer shallow-water model without mass exchange or external torque, q=(ζ+f)/h is materially conserved: Dq/Dt=0, with ζ=∂v/∂x−∂u/∂y. Column stretching or movement across a changing planetary f must be accompanied by compatible relative-vorticity change. Potential vorticity moves with the fluid rather than at a gravity-wave phase speed.
Values and equations
q=(ζ+f)/h; ζ=v_x−u_y; Dq/Dt=0
- q
- single-layer potential vorticity m⁻¹ s⁻¹
- ζ,f
- relative and planetary vertical vorticity s⁻¹
- h
- layer thickness m
- u,v
- east/north horizontal velocities m s⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Use the same layer h>0, horizontal velocity and vertical-vorticity convention; f may vary with latitude within the compatible local model.
- Wind stress,bottom friction,diabatic mass exchange and layer mixing add source terms. Shallow-water q is not the general three-dimensional baroclinic Ertel potential vorticity.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read actual curl/continuity equations26–29, the variable-f/stretching interpretation and footnote distinguishing three-dimensional Ertel PV. Retained only source-free smooth conservation, not every forced stratified ocean or turbulent motion.
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Entry details
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- uni-earth-shallow-water-pv
- Revision
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