Atmospheric Dynamics and Numerical Weather Prediction in the People's Republic of China –

Abstract

The scope of activities and accomplishments in areas of atmospheric dynamics and numerical weather prediction under investigation in the People's Republic of China during the period 1949?1966 is surveyed. The principal topics considered include cumulus and turbulent boundary layer dynamics and the dynamics of meso-, synoptic-, and planetary-scale motions. Attention is focused on the complementary research paths followed in theoretical and numerical dynamics, particularly in relation to the development of operational forecasting models. These latter accomplishments are traced from the late 1950s until mid-1966, at which time over-seas distribution of Chinese scientific journals was discontinued. Significant investigations of both regional and global circulation regimes have also been noted. However, a more exhaustive overview of the contributions made by Chinese meteorologists to the theory of the general circulation appears warranted.