Atmospheric Vortex Dynamics

该项目是作为一项初步研究开始的研究的继续，在该研究中，研究了一种新的数学技术，即等高线动力学方法在大气动力学研究中的应用。这项研究的初步结果很有希望，值得继续进行研究。该项目涉及哥伦比亚大学的洛伦佐·波尔瓦尼博士和麻省理工学院的艾伦·普拉姆博士(由ATM-9015367资助)之间的合作。等高线动力学方法提供了一种以相对较低的计算量来解析场的精细结构的方法。这对于研究平流层极涡的行为特别有用。对这种涡旋的扰动，以向上传播的大尺度波的形式，经常导致与主涡和次要涡旋分离，然后这些空气混合到中纬度地区，影响平流层的整体环流。这项研究将试图更好地定义所涉及的非线性动力学过程。首席调查人员还希望利用同样的技术开始探索对流层天气尺度涡旋的动力学。

This project represents the continuation of research begun as a pilot study in which the application of a new mathematical technique, known as the contour dynamics method, to the study of atmospheric dynamics was investigated. The initial results of that study are sufficiently promising to warrant continuing the research. The project involves a collaboration between Dr. Lorenzo Polvani of Columbia University and Dr. Alan Plumb of MIT (who is funded under ATM-9015367). The contour dynamics method provides a means to resolve fine structure of fields at relatively low computational expense. This is particularly useful for studies of the behavior of the stratospheric polar vortex. Disturbances to this vortex, in the form of upwardly propogating large-scale waves, often result in the breaking off from the main vortex of filaments and secondary vortices; this air then mixes into the middle latitude regions, affecting the overall circulation of the stratosphere. This study will attempt to better define the nonlinear dynamical processes involved. The Principal Investigators also hope to begin exploring the dynamics of synoptic-scale eddies in the troposphere using the same techniques.