Symmetrical formulation of the zonal kinetic energy equation

Abstract

An equation for the kinetic energy balance of the mean zonal flow in a symmetrical polar cap is derived under minimal assumptions, starting from basic concepts of mechanics. The form of the equation obtained differs from the comparable result of the traditional treatment, in that the rotation of the relative coordinate system used enters the volume integrals in a more symmetrical fashion, and appears also in the surface boundary terms. Various aspects of a still less restrictive possible formulation are enumerated.