STUDIES IN CLIMATE DYNAMICS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY: LARGE-SCALE OCEAN/ATMOSPHERE INTERACTION RESULTING FROM VARIABLE HEAT TRANSFER AT THE EQUATOR
Abstract
A brief investigation is presented of long-term variability of the tropical heat supply of the Pacific Ocean and its influence on the atmospheric circulation. From the record of monthly sea and air temperature at Canton Island, 2 deg 48 min S, 171 deg 43 min W, November 1964 is selected as typifying the arid conditions associated with anomalously cold equatorial water, and as representing a contrast to November 1965 with its near-maximum water temperature and abundant rainfall. Air circulation also differs significantly here. The large-scale effect on the atmosphere from November 1964 to November 1965 is described as a general warming of the complete belt of the tropical troposphere with inherent strengthening of the upper tropospheric westerlies in both hemispheres.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0711308
Entities
People
- J. Bjerknes
Organizations
- RAND Corporation