The residual circulation: Interhemispheric differences and heating and eddy components

  • S. R. Beagley
  • R. S. Harwood
Part of the NATO ASI Series book series (ASIC, volume 213)

Abstract

The residual circulation has been diagnosed using an “omega-equation” technique, which allows it to be split into the components driven by the various factors which are tending to destroy the thermal wind balance of the zonal mean state. This clarifies how the stratosphere is maintained away from zonal-mean radiative equilibrium conditions by the eddy heat and momentum fluxes. The “diabatic” circulation has also been diagnosed. This shows many similarities to the residual circulation, though we find the latter to be larger in the lower stratosphere.

The interhemispheric differences in residual circulation are discussed too. The differences found during months near the equinox are in the sense which is expected to result in the observed interhemispheric differences in total ozone.

Keywords

Total Ozone Lower Stratosphere Middle Atmosphere Residual Circulation Stratospheric Sudden Warming 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Copyright information

© D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holand. 1987

Authors and Affiliations

  • S. R. Beagley
    • 1
  • R. S. Harwood
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Meteorology, JCMBUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghScotland

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