Thermal expansion of atmosphere and stability of vertically stratified fluids

The influence of thermal expansion of the Earth's atmosphere on the stability of vertical stratification of fluid density and temperature is studied. We show that such an influence leads to the instability of incompressible flows. Modified by the thermal expansion coefficient, a new expression for the Brunt-Vaisala frequency is derived, and a critical value of the thermal expansion coefficient for which the instability occurs is revealed.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigates the impact of thermal expansion of the Earth's atmosphere on the stability of vertical stratification of fluid density and temperature. It demonstrates that this influence leads to the instability of incompressible flows. By modifying the thermal expansion coefficient, a new expression for the Brunt-Vaisala frequency is derived, and a critical value for the thermal expansion coefficient that triggers the instability is revealed.