BAROCLINIC GENERATION OF VORTICITY BY AN AXISYMMETRICAL VORTEX IN A LINEARLY STRATIFIED FLUID - IN THE PASSIVE LIMIT

We evaluate analytically the baroclinically generated vorticity that i s produced by a stationary axisymmetric vortex that overturns a fluid having an initial linear mean density profile. The instantaneous net p roduction of vorticity due to a point vortex is shown to be proportion al to the buoyancy time Nt, where N is the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. Th ese results are valid only for the nondiffusive, passive limit, where the baroclinically produced vorticity is negligible and does not alter the velocity field. Corresponding results for the Taylor vortex show maximum production of vorticity away from the center but zero net prod uction. The Oseen vortex behaves more like the point vortex. These dif ferences appear related to the total circulation of these vortices. (C ) 1996 American Institute of Physics.