Vortex Motion Driven by a Background Vorticity Gradient

The motion of self-trapped vortices on a background vorticity gradient is examined numerically and analytically. The vortices act to level the local background vorticity gradient. Conservation of momentum dictates that positive vortices (“clumps”) and negative vortices (“holes”) react oppositely: clumps move up the gradient, whereas holes move down the gradient. A linear analysis gives the trajectory of small clumps and holes that rotate against the local shear. Prograde clumps and holes are always nonlinear, and move along the gradient at a slower rate. This rate vanishes when the background shear is sufficiently large.