Linear Models of Mesospheric Circulation.

Abstract

Leovy's (1964) linear separable models are generalized to include viscosity and Rayleigh friction simultaneously and to allow the variation of static stability, heat input, and thermal relaxation arbitrarily with height. The most important parameter in the model is the Newtonian cooling rate (thermal relaxation rate). For the values given by Dickinson (1973) realistic models that describe the observed temperature and zonal wind fields are obtained. The approximations of quasi-geostrophy and linearization are valid for the momentum balance of the flow. However, near the poles and above the height of maximum forcing, vertical and horizontal heat advection is important in the energy balance.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA016585

Entities

People

  • Darrell Strobel
  • Louis Baker

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advection
  • Friction
  • Momentum
  • Viscosity

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.