Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2024 / iii / Paper 333 / 3 / f / Solution

LetBecause the Rayleigh quotient is stationary with respect to first-order changes of its eigenfunction, only the explicit dependence of $l^2$ on $c=\omega /k$ contributes when the quotient is differentiated. ThuswhereIt follows thatSince $\omega =kc$, the horizontal group velocity is

For a stationary ridge wave, $c=0$. Assume $\overline{u}>0$, so downstream is the positive $x$ direction. The stated inequality isThe denominator in the group-velocity formula is then positive, andThe atmospheric internal gravity waves generated by the ridge consequently carry their wave packet downstream.