A simple theory of the quasi-equilibrium regime of atmospheric circulation, using the concept of a modified potential vorticity

Turbulence, Atmosphere and Climate Dynamics

生态环境科学

Kurgansky, M.^1

A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia^1

关键词: Anticyclonic circulation;    Atmospheric circulation;    Current reduction;    Earth's surface;    Frictional stress;    Potential vorticity;    Quasi equilibrium;    Second generation;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/231/1/012030/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1755-1315/231/1/012030

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

The application of the general Ertel's vorticity theorem to the diagnosis of general atmospheric circulation processes is discussed. The concepts of a modified potential vorticity (PV) and the "PV of the second generation" are used; the latter quantity is obtained by substituting a PV into Ertel's vorticity theorem. The requirement that the "second-generation PV" vanishes when the PV is properly modified leads to the condition for local compensation of the action of heat sources and frictional stresses on the Earth's surface: namely, to the condition of surface air heating / cooling under anticyclonic / cyclonic circulation conditions. The situation with locally uncompensated anomalous wintertime near-surface air heating over the Barents Sea is discussed in the context of the current reduction in the ice cover over the Arctic, which at the global level should be compensated by the intensification of anticyclonic circulation systems over the continents and the corresponding surface air cooling.