Zonal and Meridional Analysis of 5-Day Averaged Outgoing Long-Wave Radiation Data from TIROS IV over the Pacific Sector in Relation to the Northern Hemisphere Circulation

Abstract

Examination of 5-day mean radiation data over the Pacific sector with respect to latitude and time reveals well-marked continuity of the radiation maxima and minima. Variations in the radiation features for the Northern Hemisphere, particularly the pronounced south-north gradient in radiation northward from the subtropics, indicate some definite relationships to variations in the intensity of the westerly circulation, with stronger gradients when the westerlies are strong. Analysis of 5-day mean long-wave radiation data at 45N over the Pacific sector with respect to longitude and time also reveals clear-cut continuity which, to a great extent, is related to the mid-tropospheric wave pattern at 45N. Although the scale of the radiation pattern is smaller than that of the 500-mb height field, preferred positions of radiation maxima and minima relative to the wave pattern are indicated.