The annual distribution of atmospheric energy on a planetary scale

Abstract

A formulation of the general problem of the energetics of the atmosphere including boundary terms is given. The distribution and the annual variation of the various components of available potential and kinetic energy based on 5 years of daily observations are evaluated. The results are shown in tabular form and in many meridional cross sections for both the 60-month mean conditions and the 12 composite calendar months. Latitudinal and vertical profiles of the different quantities are also included. The results obtained agree on the whole with previous findings, although the present ones are more consistent owing to the homogeneity of the data set and the objective analysis scheme used. A more than twofold increase is found in the ratio of eddy versus mean energy from winter to summer. The increase suggests that besides the baroclinic conversion process there exists in summer an important additional source of eddy potential energy.