Since the equations of global mean flow and mean temperature (averages taken over a period of a year, say) are very complex in form when expressed in spherical polar coordinates, a limited problem is first considered: given the mean temperature and density distributions, we attempt to solve the residual velocity distribution equations. The Reynolds stress component associated with the meridional flow of zonal velocity is a crucial factor, and, as a first approximation, it is taken to depend linearly on Ω, the earth's angular velocity, and on the meridional mean temperature gradient. A series solution for the velocity distribution is then obtained in terms of ascending powers of Ω, and the meridional component series is used to explore the crucial influence of the Reynolds stress components on the structure of the meridional cellular circulation.
SUMMARYIn a paper by Davies and Oakes (1962) concerning the problem of formulating a model of the general atmospheric circulation, the boundary condition uscd at the surface of the earth involved the assumption that the surface meridional, zonal, and vertical velocities are zero. In this note the effect on the model is evaluated by using as boundary condition at the earth's surface the more realistic assumption that thc Reynolds stress is proportional to the first power of the surface wind speed.
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