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The effects of divergent and nondivergent winds on the kinetic energy budget of a mid-latitude cyclone - A case studyThe magnitude of the divergent component of the wind is relatively small compared to that of the nondivergent component in large-scale atmospheric flows; nevertheless, it plays an important role in the case of explosive cyclogenesis examined here. The kinetic energy budget for the life cycle of an intense, developing cyclone over North America is calculated. The principal kinetic energy source is the net horizontal transport across the boundaries of the region enclosing the cyclone. By investigating the relative importance of the divergent and nondivergent wind components in the kinetic energy budget, it was found, as expected, that neglecting the divergent wind component in calculating the magnitude of the kinetic energy is of little consequence, but that the horizontal flux convergence and generation of kinetic energy depend crucially upon the divergent component. Modification of the divergent wind component can result in significant changes in the kinetic energy budget of the synoptic system.
Document ID
19780052928
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chen, T.-C.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Alpert, J. C.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, Mich., United States)
Schlatter, T. W.
(National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder, Colo., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1978
Publication Information
Publication: Monthly Weather Review
Volume: 106
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
78A36837
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-2010
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-76-82569
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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