Unbalanced Frontogenesis. Part I: Zero Potential Vorticity

Unbalanced frontogenesis is studied in a two-dimensional, Boussinesq, rotating fluid that is constrained between two rigid, level surfaces. The potential vorticity is zero. The initial state is unbalanced because there is no motion and the potential temperature is given by the error function of x. An analytic solution is derived based on the neglect of the barotropic pressure gradient. The solution procedure uses momentum coordinates to obtain nonlinear solutions. When the initial Rossby number (Ro) is less than 1.435 the horizontal wind components display an inertial oscillation. During the first part of the inertial period (0 < ft < π) the isentropes develop a tilt and frontogenesis occurs, while in the second part (π < ft < 2π) the isentropes return to a vertical orientation and frontolysis brings the temperature gradient back to its original value at ft = 2π. For larger values of Ro a frontal discontinuity forms before ft = π. The importance of the barotropic pressure gradient is determined i...