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The influence of ocean surface temperature gradient and continentality on the Walker circulation. II - Prescribed global changesThe series of experiments presently used to investigate the mechanisms responsible for forcing the global Walker circulation features worldwide changes in ocean surface temperatures (OSTs), topography, and/or continents. The primary factor affecting circulation is noted to be the global distribution of continents and oceans; while OST gradients are also important, topography emerges as comparatively unimportant. Continentality and OST gradients force the model atmosphere through the introduction of zonal variations in surface heating. The vertical motions to which they give rise yield moisture convergence and condensation variations which reinforce vertical motions. The forcing by OST gradients is partly nonlocal, and the atmospheric response is effected by continentality. In all cases, vertical motion zonal variations correlate with precipitation.
Document ID
19850030604
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Stone, P. H.
(MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Chervin, R. M.
(National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Monthly Weather Review
Volume: 112
ISSN: 0027-0644
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
85A12755
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-5113
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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