ON THE PRODUCTION OF KINETIC ENERGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

In the present paper the production of kinetic energy in the atmosphere is examined from a hydrodynamical point of view. The results indicate that the intensity of the primary source of horizontal kinetic energy at any point in the atmosphere is equal to the pressure multiplied by the horizontal divergence of the velocity. Regions of horizontal velocity convergence appear as hydrodynamical sinks for kinetic energy, in addition to frictional effects. It is found that kinetic energy may be transferred through advection and through work done by pressure forces. It appears that diverging anticyclones are of primary importance in providing kinetic energy for the general circulation.