The Propagation and Breaking of Atmospheric Rossby Waves and Their Effects on the General Circulation

罗斯比波在决定地球大气环流和天气模式的运动中起着重要作用，但罗斯比波动力学的许多方面仍然知之甚少。在这个奖项下，Magnusdottir博士将探索罗斯比波破碎的区域是如何影响基本流动的，在那里，潜在涡是混合的，非线性过程必须考虑在内。虽然重点将放在低纬度的对流层上层，但也将考虑平流层和平流层-对流层的相互作用。特别地，哈德利环流对罗斯比波传播和破碎以及罗斯比波阻力的作用将被研究。该研究将采用层次模型，从简单的理论模型到复杂的一般循环模型。此外，首席研究员将研究平流层对对流层气流的动力学影响，并将采用数值模型进行研究。最近的研究表明，平流层在短时间尺度上的影响可能比以前认为的更大。最后，如果时间允许，马格努斯多蒂尔博士将在一些初步工作的基础上进行扩展，这些工作是关于海平面温度升高对低纬度地区大气环流的影响。

Rossby waves play a major role in the motions that determine the Earth's general atmospheric circulation and weather patterns, but many aspects of Rossby-wave dynamics are still poorly understood. Under this award, Dr. Magnusdottir will explore how regions of Rossby wave breaking, where potential vorticity is mixed and nonlinear processes must be taken into account, affect the basic flow. While the emphasis will be on the upper troposphere in the lower latitudes, the stratosphere and stratosphere-troposphere interactions will be considered as well. In particular, the roles of the Hadley circulation on Rossby wave propagation and breaking and of Rossby wave drag will be examined. The study will employ a hierarchy of models, from simple theoretical models to complex general circulation models.In addition, the principal investigator will examine the dynamical influence of the stratosphere on tropospheric flow will be examined with a numerical model. Recent work suggests the stratosphere may have a more significant influence on short time scales than previously thought. Finally, as time permits, Dr. Magnusdottir will expand upon some preliminary work looking at the effect of higher sea surface temperatures on the atmospheric circulation at low latitudes.