Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2017 / iii / Paper 331 / 2 / b / ii / Solution

For the equal-width Hazel model with stable density stratification $J\ge 0$,The Miles–Howard theorem therefore excludes exponentially growing regular normal modes for $J\ge 1/4$. The candidate neutral modes of the equal-width Hazel model instead lie onThe parabola touches the sufficient-stability threshold at its maximum. There is no contradiction: neutrality has $c_i=0$, whereas the proof in part (a) assumes $c_i>0$. Moreover, the $k=1/2$ profile has a singular critical-layer derivative and logarithmically divergent horizontal kinetic energy; it is not a regular growing mode satisfying the proof's hypotheses.

For $J<1/4$, the local gradient Richardson number condition permits instability but does not establish it. Substitution of a neutral ansatz alone also does not determine on which side of the curve unstable eigenvalues lie. It identifies the formal neutral curve; concluding a full stability boundary requires additional continuation analysis of the eigenvalues. The nondecaying $k=0$ endpoint and the smooth $k=1,J=0$ endpoint have the distinct qualifications described above.