Chapter 1: Analysis of Mid-lat syn systems using balance equations Flashcards
(109 cards)
the two derived scalar quantities of the horizontal wind
Stream function
velocity potential
stream function is represented by

velocity potential is represented by

The horizontal wind is then represented by these scalars as:

the term means


the term means


psi represents

Stream function
chi represents

velocity potential
the following equation is the

The horizontal wind
the rotational (non-divergent) part of horizontal wind is represented by the term

the divergent (irrational) part of horizontal wind is represented by the term

Stream function, velocity potential are the
two derived scalar quantities of the horizontal wind
The scalar equations for u and v can then be written in form of (stream function) and (velocity potential)as

If one of the scalars (stream function) or (velocity potential) is set equal to zero, then the wind that remains can be one of the following

Non-divergent or Rotational wind:
in non-divergent:

Non-divergent or Rotational wind:
in scalar notation:

irrotational or divergent wind:
the irrotational wind:

irrotational or divergent wind:
in scalar notation:

the following stands for

vorticity
vorticity in terms of stream function
For horizontal motion that is rotational (non-divergent), the velocity components are given by

Vorticity (ع ) in terms of streamfunction
substituting u and v for ع


the velocity field and the vorticity can both be represented in terms of
the variation of the single scalar field, (psi)
…………………………… and ……………………… can both be represented in terms of the variation of the single scalar field, (psi)
the velocity field
the vorticity
Obtain an expression for divergence of an irrotational wind
























































