Analysis of the Rhythmic Variation of the Hadley Circulation over the Pacific during 1963-67.

Abstract

During 1963-67 the mid-Pacific equatorial ocean exhibited a sequence of rhythmic changes of temperature of approximately two-year periodicity. The atmospheric Hadley Circulation responded with increased intensity when the equatorial waters were at their highest temperature. In the present paper the tropical rhythms are described in more detail with Canton Island aeroological time series showing the thermal forcing from the ocean spreading upward to the upper troposphere. An additional study of the zonal component of upper winds at Canton Island, 2 deg 48 min S, Johnston Island 16 deg 45 min N and NANDI, Fiji Islands, 17 deg 45 min S, shows that maximum cyclonic zonal wind shear (and by implication maximum cyclonic vorticity) occur in the lower troposphere of the tropical belt of both hemispheres at the times of maximum equatorial sea temperature. (Modified author abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0770599

Entities

People

  • Jacob A. B. Bjerknes

Organizations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Canton Island
  • Hemispheres
  • Intensity
  • Islands
  • Johnston Island
  • Periodic Variations
  • Sequences
  • Troposphere
  • Wind
  • Wind Shear

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Urban Planning and Geography.