A computational study of the energetics of a limited region of the atmosphere

Abstract

Utilizing Smith's (1969) equations, which describe the contribution of a limited region to the global energy budget, numerical estimates were computed for the various terms of his equations for North America, March, 1962. It is shown that realistic results, reflecting the importance of the region in the general circulation, can be obtained using this concept. Important differences between the energetics of the limited region and the entire atmosphere are shown to exist in the available potential energy, generation, boundary flux, and conversion terms. The estimates of the boundary flux and pressure work terms indicate significant interaction between the region and its external environment.