Periodic Variation of Atmospheric Circulation at 14–16 Days

Abstract

By means of spectrum analysis of select components of the tropospheric and lower stratospheric energy cycle in the Northern Hemisphere (20N to the pole), we are able to demonstrate the existence of a 14?16 day cycle in the atmosphere. The principal energy transfer of this cycle is the conversion from zonal available to eddy available potential energy in the troposphere. This is accompanied by an energy exchange from eddy available potential to eddy kinetic energy and thence by means of the pressure-work effect at the stratospheric boundary to the eddy kinetic energy in the stratosphere. The possible physical forcing functions of this cycle are discussed.