ON THE MOMENTUM EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE ATMOSPHERE AND EARTH OVER THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

Abstract

This is an attempt to employ a pertinent boundary layer model and proper frictional parameters in the numerical analysis of the angular momentum budget of the atmosphere. The mean zonal surface stress due to friction is examined utilizing Lettau's boundary layer model and the earth's roughness study by the writer and Lettau for the period 1945?1955. The meridional and seasonal variations of the mean zonal surface stress are described; the mountain effect is derived indirectly; the stresses over the continent and ocean are compared; and finally the sensitivity of the numerical analysis to the prescribed frictional parameters is briefly discussed.