A NUMERICAL STUDY OF TROPICAL ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATIONS,
Abstract
A time-dependent primitive-equation numerical model in two dimensions, horizontal distance and height, is developed and applied to the study of the general circulation of the tropical troposphere, with particular reference to the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITC), and of the tradewind flow over an eastern subtropical ocean below ca. three kilometers. This model incorporates the effects of buoyant convection, small-scale vertical eddy diffusion and large-scale horizontal diffusion; it is particularly responsive to imposed sea-surface temperatures. The results show that ITC structure is determined mainly by the surface temperature profile, the major updraughts being located, on the average, at the latitudes of highest temperature. Frictional convergence effects may cause the ITC to form temporarily at other latitudes. The sparse trade-wind precipitation of 0.10-0.15cm/day is well-predicted by this model. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0685239
Entities
People
- Arthur C. Pike
Organizations
- University of Miami