Reflection of hydrostatic mountain waves from spatially nonuniform layers

Abstract

The steady, hydrostatic, inviscid, Boussinesq flow of a stably stratified fluid over a bell-shaped ridge is investigated within the framework of a linear model. The three layer model atmosphere introduced is such that the Brunt-Väisälä frequency is constant in each layer but the interfaces of the middle layer are allowed to vary gently in the cross-ridge direction. In essence, the model can be tuned in both vertical and horizontal directions. These cross-ridge variations can produce significant differences in both the cross-ridge surface wind and the surface drag compared to the response obtained by use of a horizontally uniform reflecting layer. These changes are sensitive to both the vertical location of the middle layer and to the slope of its lower interface at the ridge crest. Many of these features are explained by means of a conventional layered-model analysis.