On basic mechanisms governing two-layer vortices on a β-plane

Abstract An analytical theory of purely baroclinic two-layer singular vortices is presented. The evolution of the vortex structure and the vortex tracks are calculated. It is found that four mechanisms govern the motion of the vortex: (i) barotropic beta gyres, (ii) baroclinic beta gyres, (iii) the interactim between the lower-layer and upper-layer vortices, (iv) Rossby wave radiation. The role of each of these mechanisms and their joint influence upon the baroclinic vortex dynamics are analysed.