Restrictions on the geometry of the periodic vorticity equation

We prove that several evolution equations arising as mathematical models for fluid motion cannot be realized as metric Euler equations on the Lie group of all smooth and orientation-preserving diffeomorphisms on the circle. These include the quasi-geostrophic model equation, the axisymmetric Euler flow in higher space dimensions, and De Gregorio's vorticity model equation.Comment: 14 pages, 1 tabl

Steady water waves with multiple critical layers

We construct small-amplitude periodic water waves with multiple critical layers. In addition to waves with arbitrarily many critical layers and a single crest in each period, two-dimensional sets of waves with several crests and troughs in each period are found. The setting is that of steady two-dimensional finite-depth gravity water waves with vorticity.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures. As accepted for publication in SIAM J. Math. Ana

The periodic b-equation and Euler equations on the circle

In this note we show that the periodic b-equation can only be realized as an Euler equation on the Lie group Diff(S^1) of all smooth and orientiation preserving diffeomorphisms on the cirlce if b=2, i.e. for the Camassa-Holm equation. In this case the inertia operator generating the metric on Diff(S^1) is given by A=1-d^2/dx^2. In contrast, the Degasperis-Procesi equation, for which b=3, is not an Euler equation on Diff(S^1) for any inertia operator. Our result generalizes a recent result of B. Kolev.Comment: 8 page