Geophysical Monge–Ampère-Type Equation: Symmetries and Exact Solutions

This paper studies a mixed PDE containing the second time derivative and a quadratic nonlinearity of the Monge–Ampère type in two spatial variables, which is encountered in geophysical fluid dynamics. The Lie group symmetry analysis of this highly nonlinear PDE is performed for the first time. An invariant point transformation is found that depends on fourteen arbitrary constants and preserves the form of the equation under consideration. One-dimensional symmetry reductions leading to self-similar and some other invariant solutions that described by single ODEs are considered. Using the methods of generalized and functional separation of variables, as well as the principle of structural analogy of solutions, a large number of new non-invariant closed-form solutions are obtained. In general, the extensive list of all exact solutions found includes more than thirty solutions that are expressed in terms of elementary functions. Most of the obtained solutions contain a number of arbitrary constants, and several solutions additionally include two arbitrary functions. Two-dimensional reductions are considered that reduce the original PDE in three independent variables to a single simpler PDE in two independent variables (including linear wave equations, the Laplace equation, the Tricomi equation, and the Guderley equation) or to a system of such PDEs. A number of specific examples demonstrate that the type of the mixed, highly nonlinear PDE under consideration, depending on the choice of its specific solutions, can be either hyperbolic or elliptic. To analyze the equation and construct exact solutions and reductions, in addition to Cartesian coordinates, polar, generalized polar, and special Lorentz coordinates are also used. In conclusion, possible promising directions for further research of the highly nonlinear PDE under consideration and related PDEs are formulated. It should be noted that the described symmetries, transformations, reductions, and solutions can be utilized to determine the error and estimate the limits of applicability of numerical and approximate analytical methods for solving complex problems of mathematical physics with highly nonlinear PDEs.