On the problem of formulating a realistic model of the general atmospheric circulation

Abstract

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.