Work

Numerical Integration of the Barotropic Vorticity Equation

Year: 1950

Type: article

Abstract: A method is given for the numerical solution of the barotropic vorticity equation over a limited area of the earth’s surface. The lack of a natural boundary calls for an investigation of the appropriate boundary conditions. These are determined by a heuristic argument and are shown to be sufficient in a special case. Approximate conditions necessary to insure the mathematical stability of the difference equation are derived. The results of a series of four 24-hour forecasts computed from actual data at the 500 mb level are presented, together with an interpretation and analysis. An attempt is made to determine the causes of the forecast errors. These are ascribed partly to the use of too large a space increment and partly to the effects of baroclinicity. The rôle of the latter is investigated in some detail by means of a simple baroclinic model.

Source: Tellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography

DOI: 10.3402/tellusa.v2i4.8607

Authors: J. G. CHARNEY, R. FJÖRTOFT, J. NEUMANN

Institution: Institute for Advanced Study

Language: English

Topic: Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,410

Funder: University of Chicago