Author(s)

P.J. Montgomery & T.B. Moodie

Abstract

In this paper we shall present some preliminary findings pertaining to two-layer shallow water formulations for gravity currents. Model equa- tions for three distinguished limits are developed in conservation form and, where required, conditions for the in variance of the associated re- gion of hyperbolicity are given. Shock formation for these model systems is examined and discussed with reference to certain observed phenomena. 1 Introduction A gravity current consists of the flow of one fluid within another when this flow is driven by the density difference between these fluids. Grav- ity currents are primarily horizontal occurring as either top or bottom boundary currents, or as intrusions at some intermediate level, although there are important oceanic and other exa

Keywords