On the dissipation of kinetic energy in the atmosphere

Abstract

After a discussion of some general aspects of the atmospheric energy cycle results from computations of the frictional changes of kinetic energy are given. Large losses of kinetic energy are found in the boundary layer and in the region near the tropopause below the level of maximum wind. The total rate of dissipation of kinetic energy in the troposphere amount to 10 watts m−2, of which 4 watts m−8 are dissipated below 900 mb. The mean kinetic energy in the troposphere was 24 times 105 joules m−2. The rate of dissipation of the kinetic energy in the first kilometer above the ground and its dependence upon the geostrophic wind speed are studied.