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The role of large-scale eddies in the climate equilibrium. Part 2: Variable static stabilityLorenz's two-level model on a sphere is used to investigate how the results of Part 1 are modified when the interaction of the vertical eddy heat flux and static stability is included. In general, the climate state does not depend very much on whether or not this interaction is included, because the poleward eddy heat transport dominates the eddy forcing of mean temperature and wind fields. However, the climatic sensitivity is significantly affected. Compared to two-level model results with fixed static stability, the poleward eddy heat flux is less sensitive to the meridional temperature gradient and the gradient is more sensitive to the forcing. For example, the logarithmic derivative of the eddy flux with respect to the gradient has a slope that is reduced from approximately 15 on a beta-plane with fixed static stability and approximately 6 on a sphere with fixed static stability, to approximately 3 to 4 in the present model. This last result is more in line with analyses from observations. The present model also has a stronger baroclinic adjustment than that in Part 1, more like that in two-level beta-plane models with fixed static stability, that is, the midlatitude isentropic slope is very insensitive to the forcing, the diabatic heating, and the friction, unless the forcing is very weak.
Document ID
19950036344
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zhou, Shuntai
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA United States)
Stone, Peter H.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Climate
Volume: 6
Issue: 10
ISSN: 0894-8755
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
95A67943
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-009-727
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-88-03466
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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