Streamline topologies for integrable vortex motion on a sphere (Q1578017)

The authors analyze streamline patterns produced by point vortices on the surface of a two-dimensional sphere. The paper is focused on understanding the kinematic aspects of the flow-field on a sphere in view of the fact that the compact spherical topology imposes important global constraints on the flow. The instananeous streamline patterns and stagnation point location for fixed vorticity distribution are of interest. The equations of motion are based on the point vortex decomposition of the two-dimensional Euler equations on a sphere. The completely integrable cases of two and three vortices are treated in detail both in a fixed inertial frame of reference, and for the case of relative equilibria in a rotating frame of reference. The authors give a general topological classification of 12 primitive patterns that are allowable in the case of three vortices. It is shown that more general and complex structures can be constructed via continuous deformation (homotopies) and linear superposition of primitive patterns. Finally, the authors discuss the relevance of the results obtained to a general understanding of global atmosperic weather patterns.