Interaction of dipolar vortices with a step-like topography

The interaction of a barotropic, dipolar vortex with a step-like topography is studied by means of laboratory experiments in a rotating tank and by numerical simulations based on a quasi-two-dimensional model. Two main configurations are analyzed: when the dipole approaches a “low” or a “high” step with respect to the maximum water depth. For relatively low steps, the vortex crosses the topography with a deflected trajectory, while maintaining its dipolar structure. The sense of this deflection depends on whether the dipole reaches a step-up or a step-down. For high steps, in contrast, the dipole is not able to cross the topography, and the reflection of one of the dipole structures is observed. In both cases, one observes a weak flow along the topography with shallow water on its right. The essential features of the flow evolution for low and high steps can be explained by using arguments of potential vorticity conservation (due to the weakness of viscous effects). In order to determine whether a barotropic dipole is able to cross the step or is reflected, qualitative criteria based on the step height and dipole strength are derived using inviscid arguments.