HIGH TROPOSPHERIC WESTERLIES OF THE EQUATORIAL WEST PACIFIC OCEAN

Abstract

The presence of large-scale westerly currents in the high troposphere over the equatorial western Pacific during the late northern summer is illustrated with 40,000-ft charts for the period 22?27 September 1945. The upper westerlies are shown to be a broad stream subject to a periodic fluctuations. They represent part of the mechanism for the exchange of air and vorticity across the equator. Interaction of upper currents of both hemispheres is illustrated as well as the relation between upper currents and surface weather, including typhoon formation during the period.