1. The Dishpan ExperimentAlthough Rossby waves are the largest of
the atmospheric waves, other swirling motions of varying sizes likewise
exist. Why this complexity? At the simplest level, the behavior of the
upper atmosphere is the inevitable result of three factors: (1) the
unequal heating of the atmosphere from the equator to the poles, (2) the
rotation of the planet, and (3) the inherently turbulent nature of the
atmosphere.To illustrate the interaction of these three, we can
reproduce the migrating waves and eddy motions of the upper atmosphere
with a relatively simple piece of hardware—a pan of water that rotates
at a constant speed with a cooling of the fluid near the center and
warming along the edge (Figure 8-3-1). The “dishpan experiment”
simulates the rotating Earth with a surplus of net incoming radiation at
low latitudes, and a net deficit closer to the poles. Even this very
simple exercise yields motions of the fluid that in many ways resemble
those of the upper troposphere.Long waves form in the pan, resembling
atmospheric Rossby waves. Superimposed on the long waves are
smaller-scale eddies similar to smaller flows on Earth. Changes in the
speed of rotation or the differential heating between the edge and
center of the pan cause observable changes in the waves and eddies, with
more extreme differences in heating and slower rotation rates leading
to an increase in the amplitude of large waves at the expense of
smaller-scale eddies. This implies that the oscillations in the
atmosphere represent an inherent characteristic of any fluid (liquid or
gaseous) on a rotating surface with spatially varying inputs of heat.
Such observations are not restricted to simple dishpan experiments;
elaborate computer models that simulate the motions of the atmosphere
reveal similar patterns.FIGURE 8-3-1 Eddies. Pattern of eddies of
different size in a “dishpan experiment.”...What elements of Earth’s
system are represented in the dishpan and how? Get solution
2. The Dishpan ExperimentAlthough Rossby waves are the largest of the atmospheric waves, other swirling motions of varying sizes likewise exist. Why this complexity? At the simplest level, the behavior of the upper atmosphere is the inevitable result of three factors: (1) the unequal heating of the atmosphere from the equator to the poles, (2) the rotation of the planet, and (3) the inherently turbulent nature of the atmosphere.To illustrate the interaction of these three, we can reproduce the migrating waves and eddy motions of the upper atmosphere with a relatively simple piece of hardware—a pan of water that rotates at a constant speed with a cooling of the fluid near the center and warming along the edge (Figure 8-3-1). The “dishpan experiment” simulates the rotating Earth with a surplus of net incoming radiation at low latitudes, and a net deficit closer to the poles. Even this very simple exercise yields motions of the fluid that in many ways resemble those of the upper troposphere.Long waves form in the pan, resembling atmospheric Rossby waves. Superimposed on the long waves are smaller-scale eddies similar to smaller flows on Earth. Changes in the speed of rotation or the differential heating between the edge and center of the pan cause observable changes in the waves and eddies, with more extreme differences in heating and slower rotation rates leading to an increase in the amplitude of large waves at the expense of smaller-scale eddies. This implies that the oscillations in the atmosphere represent an inherent characteristic of any fluid (liquid or gaseous) on a rotating surface with spatially varying inputs of heat. Such observations are not restricted to simple dishpan experiments; elaborate computer models that simulate the motions of the atmosphere reveal similar patterns.FIGURE 8-3-1 Eddies. Pattern of eddies of different size in a “dishpan experiment.”...What are some important factors affecting Earth’s general circulation not represented in the dishpan experiment? Get solution
2. The Dishpan ExperimentAlthough Rossby waves are the largest of the atmospheric waves, other swirling motions of varying sizes likewise exist. Why this complexity? At the simplest level, the behavior of the upper atmosphere is the inevitable result of three factors: (1) the unequal heating of the atmosphere from the equator to the poles, (2) the rotation of the planet, and (3) the inherently turbulent nature of the atmosphere.To illustrate the interaction of these three, we can reproduce the migrating waves and eddy motions of the upper atmosphere with a relatively simple piece of hardware—a pan of water that rotates at a constant speed with a cooling of the fluid near the center and warming along the edge (Figure 8-3-1). The “dishpan experiment” simulates the rotating Earth with a surplus of net incoming radiation at low latitudes, and a net deficit closer to the poles. Even this very simple exercise yields motions of the fluid that in many ways resemble those of the upper troposphere.Long waves form in the pan, resembling atmospheric Rossby waves. Superimposed on the long waves are smaller-scale eddies similar to smaller flows on Earth. Changes in the speed of rotation or the differential heating between the edge and center of the pan cause observable changes in the waves and eddies, with more extreme differences in heating and slower rotation rates leading to an increase in the amplitude of large waves at the expense of smaller-scale eddies. This implies that the oscillations in the atmosphere represent an inherent characteristic of any fluid (liquid or gaseous) on a rotating surface with spatially varying inputs of heat. Such observations are not restricted to simple dishpan experiments; elaborate computer models that simulate the motions of the atmosphere reveal similar patterns.FIGURE 8-3-1 Eddies. Pattern of eddies of different size in a “dishpan experiment.”...What are some important factors affecting Earth’s general circulation not represented in the dishpan experiment? Get solution
