THE INTER-TROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE STUDIED WITH AN INTERACTING ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN MODEL,

Abstract

A simple, two-layer numerical model of the upper tropical ocean has been added to a pre-existing primitive equation model of a zonally-symmetric tropical atmosphere in order to predict a meridional profile of sea-surface temperature and its relationship to the atmospheric intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). With an initially flat temperature profile near the equator, it is found that a cold equatorial surface progressively develops on account of upwelling and vertical mixing in the sea. A single ITCZ establishes itself at first over the equator, but then migrates poleward as the equator cools; the convergence zone remains single despite the eventual double surface temperature maximum. This marked hemispheric asymmetry is in accord with satellite observations. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0703082

Entities

People

  • Arthur C. Pike

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Asymmetry
  • Atmospheres
  • Convergence
  • Convergence Zones (Sonar)
  • Equations
  • Observation
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Surface Temperature
  • Upwelling

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology

Technology Areas

  • Space