9.4
Turbulence scaling in moist climates of an idealized general circulation model
Paul A. O'Gorman, MIT, Cambridge, MA; and T. Schneider
By means of a series of simulations using an idealized GCM we attempt to better understand the basic dynamical properties of extratropical large-scale turbulence. Our results extend previous work with a dry GCM by including the effects of moist processes.
The simulations span a wide range of solar insolation and pole-to-equator temperature gradients, with resultant changes in the strength of the hydrological cycle. We examine the scaling of the meridional eddy moisture flux and other turbulence quantities as a function of mean-flow characteristics such as the pole-to-equator temperature gradient. Issues concerning the extratropical static stability and the character of the baroclinic eddies in the presence of latent heat release are also addressed.
Session 9, Eddy Interactions, Jets, and Turbulence
Thursday, 16 June 2005, 9:50 AM-2:05 PM, Ballroom A
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