An Analysis of the Energetics of Tropical and Extra-Tropical Regions under Cold ENSO Compose Episodes ()
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study
was to quantify and evaluate the effects of ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation)
cold phases, throughout a composite of five intense La Nina episodes, on the
atmospheric energetics of four distinct domains:
80°S - 5°N (zone 1), 50°S - 5°N (zone 2), 30°S - 5°N (zone 3), and 30°S - 30°N (zone 4). Data from NCEP reanalysis-II were
used in the reckoning of atmospheric energies in the mentioned areas. In the
synthesis, in zones 2, 3 and 4, the
results showed that production of zonal terms of potential energy and
kinetic energy decreased, mainly due
to decreases of the meridional temperature gradient. As a result the
conversions between them and between zonal kinetic energy and eddy kinetic
energy were also reduced. This behavior, however, has not led to a significant
intensification of baroclinic branch, except for zone 4. Regarding zone 1, it
was observed the most atypical set. That is, KZ was intensified even with the
reduction of all the sources that contribute directly to its supply.
Share and Cite:
Sátyro, Z. and Veiga, J. (2017) An Analysis of the Energetics of Tropical and Extra-Tropical Regions under Cold ENSO Compose Episodes.
Open Access Library Journal,
4, 1-17. doi:
10.4236/oalib.1103566.
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