The Liberation of Potential Vorticity

小行星9312449 利用等熵位涡作为研究天气尺度大气现象的结构和演变的工具是非常“流行”的。 位涡守恒是一个关键假设。 在最近完成的一项使用国家气象中心业务分析的试点研究中，桑德斯博士发现证据表明这种假设是无效的。 根据该奖项，他将使用更高的时间和空间分辨率信息进一步扩展他的初步研究。 作为他研究的一部分，他将试图将位涡的变化与观测到的天气系统行为中的次网格尺度过程联系起来。 除了有助于提高对天气系统所涉及的物理过程的理解外，这项研究还将迫使社会仔细审查并可能更好地理解所谓的“光伏思维”的用途和局限性。 ***

9312449 Sanders The use of isentropic potential vorticity as a tool for studying the structure and evolution of synoptic-scale atmospheric phenomena is very much "in vogue". The conservation of potential vorticity is a key assumption. In a recently completed pilot study using operational analyses from the National Meteorological Center, Dr. Sanders found evidence suggesting this assumption is not valid. Under this award, he will further extend his initial study using higher temporal and spatial resolution information. As part of his investigation, he will attempt to relate changes in potential vorticity to sub-grid scale processes in the observed behavior of synoptic systems. Besides its potential for contributing to improved understanding of the physical processes involved in synoptic weather systems, the research will force the community to scrutinize and perhaps better understand the uses and limitations of so-called "PV thinking". ***