FINITE DIFFERENCE MODELS FOR THE STATIONARY HARMONICS OF ATMOSPHERIC MOTION

Abstract

A finite difference procedure is utilized for the solution of a coupled system of two ordinary differential equations governing the time averaged quasi-geostrophic perturbations in the atmosphere. The seasonal changes in the latitudinal mean state are found to introduce important phase changes and reversals in the asymmetric meridional circulation. A hypothetical latitudinal mean stability profile, which resembles many of the latitudinal mean stability profiles generally used in analytical studies, is found to give acceptable results in many cases. Barographic models for the zonal mean state are found to be incapable of giving acceptable quantitative results