Dynamics and Energetics of Heton Interactions
in Linearly and Exponentially Stratified Media

V. M. Gryanik and M. V. Tevs

Oboukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pyzhevskii per. 3, Moscow, 109017 Russia

Received October 19, 1995; in final form, February 13, 1996

Abstract—The dynamics and energetics of two hetons interacting in a linearly and an exponentially strat
ified medium are studied within the framework of an N-layer quasi-geostrophic model of singular geo
strophic vortices. The available potential energy in a layer is found. An algorithm is given to calculate the
critical distances separating the regions of finite and infinite motions of four vortices in two- and three-
layer models. The dependence of the critical distances on the approximation order of the model (N = 2–8)
and the form of stratification is analyzed numerically. The evolution of the vertical distribution of the inter
action energy and the available potential energy during the interaction of hetons is studied in detail.

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