An analytical theory is presented for the self-induced translation of an intense vortex relative to a uniform background flow on the β plane. The equivalent barotropic approximation is used to formulate the initial value problem within a polar coordinate frame translating with the vortex center. A contour dynamical model of the vortex is melded with the regular beta-plane model of the residual flow. Evolution of vortex asymmetries for azimuthal mode number one, the so-called beta gyres, which are responsible for the relative vortex motion, is considered for a period of time while the Rossby wave radiation is not important. It is shown for an initially axisymmetric vortex that the beta gyres and corresponding vortex translational velocity consist of two parts. The first one is generated by advection of the background potential vorticity gradient and rotates differentially because of the symmetric vortex circulation. The second part arises due to distortion in the vortex shape represented by displa...
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Sutyrin et al. (1994) studied this question.