Nonlinear Axially Symmetric Circulations in a Nearly Inviscid Atmosphere

TLDR

The study analyzes axially symmetric circulations in a stably stratified, differentially heated, rotating Boussinesq fluid on a sphere. A simple approximate theory, analogous to Schneider (1977), is developed for nearly inviscid fluid where poleward Hadley cell flow is nearly angular momentum conserving, and its predictions are validated against numerical solutions. The theory predicts Hadley cell width, poleward heat flux, upper‑level jet latitude, and surface easterly/westerly distribution, highlighting fundamental differences from viscous axisymmetric flows.

Abstract

The structure of certain axially symmetric circulations in a stably stratified, differentially heated, rotating Boussinesq fluid on a sphere is analyzed. A simple approximate theory [similar to that introduced by Schneider (1977)] is developed for the case in which the fluid is sufficiently inviscid that the poleward flow in the Hadley cell is nearly angular momentum conserving. The theory predicts the width of the Hadley cell, the total poleward heat flux, the latitude of the upper level jet in the zonal wind, and the distribution of surface easterlies and westerlies. Fundamental differences between such nearly inviscid circulations and the more commonly studied viscous axisymmetric flows are emphasized. The theory is checked against numerical solutions to the model equations.