A Note on the Release of Available Potential Energy

[摘要] The height and temperature fields at the mandatory levels during a two-month period(December 1977-January 1978) are used to evaluate the conversion between available potentialenergy (A) and kinetic energy (K), C(A, K). The results reveal:1. The energy conversion due to the mean meridional circulation, C(Az, Kz)=-0.18Wm-2, and due to the eddy motions, C(AE, KE)=2.6Wm-2.2. C(Az, KZ) is attributed to the standing (2-month mean) mode, while C(AE, KE) is due tothe transient eddies.3. The contributions to C(AE, KE) from various wave number regimes, long waves (n=1-4), and cyclone and short waves (n=5-15), are:a. Transient cyclone and short waves are dominant in the mid-latitudes and the middlelayer of atmosphere.b. Transient long waves are significant in the middle layer of the atmosphere at mid-and high latitudes.c. Standing long waves are not negligible in the mid-latitudes and the middle layer ofatmosphere.

[学科分类] 大气科学