Limited Area Energetics of Genoa Cyclogenesis

Abstract

The energetics of a frontal depression initially formed in the Gulf of Genoa is studied. The partition of available potential energy and kinetic energy into zonal and eddy components is adopted. The energy equations, as developed for an open area of the atmosphere, are applied over a region enclosing the synoptic-scale disturbance in study. The period covering stages of the development of the depression is from 1200 GMT 15 January to 1200 GMT 17 January 1981. Vertical distributions of components of the energy equations are presented and discussed. Also, the energy balance over the region in terms of an energy cycle is presented.