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Observations and Modelling of Fronts and Frontogenesis

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subdivided into subdomains with differing numbers <strong>of</strong> layers.<br />

In these subdomains, (16a,b) or (16c) must be solved<br />

according to the number <strong>of</strong> nonvanishing layers. In order to<br />

close the problem, the boundary conditions (17) must be<br />

supplemented by three matching conditions at the juncture <strong>of</strong><br />

these subdomains, the point where the interface between the<br />

two interior layers meets the base <strong>of</strong> the mixed layer. In<br />

addition, there is an evolution equation for the location <strong>of</strong><br />

the juncture.<br />

We assume in the following that adjacent to the coast<br />

there is a single two-layer subdomain <strong>of</strong> finite width,<br />

<strong>of</strong>fshore <strong>of</strong> which lies a semi-infinite three-layer subdomain.<br />

This assumption is not necessary, but it simplifies the<br />

notation, <strong>and</strong> it holds for all the numerical results reported<br />

here.<br />

Let y2(t) denote the location <strong>of</strong> the juncture <strong>of</strong> the two<br />

subdomains, so that for 0 < y < y2(t), there are two<br />

nonvariishing layers, while for y(t) < y < ,<br />

nonvanishing layers. Then y2(t) satisfies,<br />

there<br />

are three<br />

h2[y2(t),tJ = 0. (18)<br />

Differentiating (18) with respect to t, evaluating (8b) at y<br />

y2(t), <strong>and</strong> eliminating h(y,t) yields an evolution<br />

equation for y2(t):<br />

dy2/dt = v2[y2(t),t} + we[y2(t),tJ/h2y[y2(t),t}. (19)<br />

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