COORDINATE SYSTEMS IN DYNAMIC METEOROLOGY

Abstract

The paper contains a general survey of the methods of setting up coordinate systems in dynamic meteorology and a description of certain systems derived from geometric considerations. Equations of motion and continuity are given explicitly, and general formulae for the divergence and rate of change of vorticity are listed. Spherical polar coordinates lead to the introduction of intrinsic coordinate systems, in which the atmospheric motion itself defines the coordinate system. A brief discussion is devoted to the relationship between the size of an atmospheric motion and the coordinate system which best describes it, to gradient and geostrophic winds, and to the Rossby formula for potential vorticity.