Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics

Abstract:

Synchronization is studied using a pair of diffusively-coupled, two-layer quasi-geostrophic systems each comprising a single baroclinic wave and a zonal flow. In particular, the coupling between the systems is in the well-known master-slave or one-way configuration. Nonlinear time series analysis, phase dynamics, and bifurcation diagrams are used to study the dynamics of the coupled system. Phase synchronization, imperfect synchronization (phase slips), or complete synchronization are found, depending upon the strength of coupling, when the systems are either in a periodic or a chaotic regime. The results of investigations when the dynamics of each system are in different regimes are also presented. These results also show evidence of phase synchronization and signs of chaos control.

Abstract:

Frequency entrainment and nonlinear synchronization are commonly observed between simple oscillatory systems, but their occurrence and behavior in continuum fluid systems are much less well understood. Motivated by possible applications to geophysical fluid systems, such as in atmospheric circulation and climate dynamics, we have carried out an experimental study of the interaction of fully developed baroclinic instability in a differentially heated, rotating fluid annulus with an externally imposed periodic modulation of the thermal boundary conditions. In quasiperiodic and chaotic amplitude-modulated traveling wave regimes, the results demonstrate a strong interaction between the natural periodic modulation of the wave amplitude and the externally imposed forcing. This leads to partial or complete phase synchronization. Synchronization effects were observed even with very weak amplitudes of forcing, and were found with both 1:1 and 1:2 frequency ratios between forcing and natural oscillations.