Energy amp; Enstrophy Cascades in the Atmosphere能源和拟能级联的气氛；.ppt

Energy Enstrophy Cascades in the Atmosphere Prof. Peter Lynch Michael Clark University College Dublin Met Climate Centre Introduction A full theoretical understanding of the atmospheric energy spectrum remains elusive. At synoptic and sub-synoptic scales, the energy spectrum exhibits k^(-3) power law behaviour, consistent with an enstrophy cascade. Introduction (cont.) A k^(-5/3) law is evident at the mesoscales (below 600 km). Attempts using 2D, 3D and Quasi-geostrophic turbulence theory to explain the “spectral kink” at around 600 km have not been wholly satisfactory. Introduction (cont.) In this presentation, we will examine observational evidence and review attempts to explain the spectrum theoretically. We will also consider the reasons why the spectral kink is not found in the ECMWF model. Quasi-Geostophic Turbulence The typical aspect ratio of the atmosphere is 100:1 (assuming 1000 km in the horizontal and 10 km in the vertical). Quasi-Geostophic Turbulence The typical aspect ratio of the atmosphere is 100:1 (assuming 1000 km in the horizontal and 10 km in the vertical). Is quasi-geostrophic turbulence more like 2D or 3D turbulence? QG Turbulence: 2D or 3D? 2D Turbulence Energy and Enstrophy conserved No vortex stretching QG Turbulence: 2D or 3D? 2D Turbulence Energy and Enstrophy conserved No vortex stretching 3D Turbulence Enstrophy not conserved Vortex stretching present QG Turbulence: 2D or 3D? Quasi-Geostrophic Turbulence Energy Enstrophy conserved (like 2D) Vortex stretching present (like 3D) QG Turbulence: 2D or 3D? The prevailing view had been that QG turbulence is more like 2D turbulence. QG Turbulence: 2D or 3D? The prevailing view had been that QG turbulence is more like 2D turbulence. The mathematical similarity of 2D and QG flows prompted Charney (1971) to conclude that an energy cascade to small-scales is impossible in QG turbulence. Some Early Results Fj?rtoft (1953) – In 2D flows, if energy is injected at an intermediate