 Potential-vorticity step edge wave

A positive jump $\Delta Q$ of shallow-water quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity supports a current $U=U_0{e}^{-|y|/L_R}$ with $U_0=L_R\Delta Q/2$. A disturbance has structure $\varphi =A{e}^{-\sqrt{k^2+L_R^{-2}}|y|}$. Integrating the linear potential-vorticity conservation equation across the interface gives $(U_0-c)[{\varphi }_y]+\Delta Q\varphi (0)=0$, hence the displayed dispersion relation. The wave propagates intrinsically against the mean current because the displaced PV interface induces the velocity that advects it; no planetary beta is required.