Variational balance models for the three-dimensional Euler-Boussinesq equations with full Coriolis force

TL;DR

This paper derives a comprehensive semi-geostrophic variational balance model for 3D Euler-Boussinesq equations with full Coriolis effects, capturing non-hydrostatic flows without traditional approximations, and establishing a structure similar to existing primitive equation models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel variational balance model that includes full Coriolis force effects and non-hydrostatic flows, extending previous models by avoiding traditional approximations.

Findings

The model maintains a similar structure to the $L_1$ balance model for primitive equations.

The balance relation is elliptic under stable stratification and small fluctuations.

The model accurately captures three-dimensional tracer dynamics with full Coriolis effects.

Abstract

We derive a semi-geostrophic variational balance model for the three-dimensional Euler--Boussinesq equations on the non-traditional $f$-plane under the rigid lid approximation. The model is obtained by a small Rossby number expansion in the Hamilton principle, with no other approximations made. We allow for a fully non-hydrostatic flow and do not neglect the horizontal components of the Coriolis parameter, i.e., we do not make the so-called "traditional approximation". The resulting balance models have the same structure as the "$L_1$ balance model" for the primitive equations: a kinematic balance relation, the prognostic equation for the three-dimensional tracer field, and an additional prognostic equation for a scalar field over the two-dimensional horizontal domain which is linked to the undetermined constant of integration in the thermal wind relation. The balance relation is elliptic under the assumption of stable stratification and sufficiently small fluctuations in all prognostic fields.