On receptivity to environmental disturbancesThe instability dehomogenization of shear-layer vorticity is addressed, and conditions for stimulation of unstable normal modes are considered with emphasis on spatially-unstable flows. Minute wall changes as an example of Tollmien-Schlichting wave forcing by sound is analyzed, rapid and moderate x-variations in mean and disturbance fields are considered, and it is pointed out that x-dependences within the whole system of a shear layer can provide one or several receptivity paths. The role of the leading edge in covered along with its idealization. Detailed validation of receptivity paths, receptivity to free-stream turbulence, and nonperiodic excitation are also discussed.