This book presents an extensive analysis of the dynamics of discrete and distributed baroclinic
vortices in a multi-layer fluid that characterizes the main features of the large and
mesoscales dynamics of the atmosphere and the ocean. It widely covers the case of hetonic
situations as well as the case of intrathermocline vortices that are familiar in oceanographic
and of recognized importance for heat and mass transfers. Extensive typology of such baroclinic
eddies is made and analysed with the help of theoretical development and numerical
computations. As a whole it gives an overview and synthesis of all the many situations that can
be encountered based on the long history of the theory of vortex motion and on many new
situations. It gives a renewed insight on the extraordinary richness of vortex dynamics and
open the way for new theoretical observational and experimental advances. This volume is of
interest to experts in physical oceanography meteorology hydrodynamics dynamic systems
involved in theoretical experimental and applied research and lecturers post-graduate
students and students in these fields.
