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Learn about coordinate systems in atmospheric dynamics and how forces such as gravity, friction, and the Coriolis force affect atmospheric motion. Understand the conversion from fixed frames to rotational frames and the use of vertical and hybrid coordinates.
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ATOC 4720 class31 1. Coordinate systems 2. Forces
1. Coordinate systems Dynamics: equations govern atmosphere motion Fundamental law: Newton’s second law of motion : net forces (N) :mass (kg) : acceleration ( )
Fixed frame in space: Rotational frame: on earth: convenient Newton’s second law: real forces Convert from fixed fram to rotational frame: see handout During the process of conversion, an additional force appears: Coriolis force, due to the earth’s rotation
Horizontal coordinates Spherical coordinate system rotating with the earth Longitude Latitude
the distance from earth’s center to the location of motion For motion below 50km: Error <1%
Vertical coordinate Geopotential height: Geopotential at mean sea level Average acceleration of gravity at sea level With this choice, horizontal planes coincide with with constant geopotential surface, and gravitational force does not have horizontal component (below 50km, close to be geometric height)
In this coordinate system, velocity components are: Total velocity vector:
P and vertical coordinates P coordinate: some equations are simpler using P instead of Z coordinate Convertion from Z to P: hydrostatic equation Scientific basis: prompt class Vertical velocity: ( )
Since both Z and P coordinates sometimes intersect topography at lower level, making PGF term difficult to calculate P Z We often use Coordinate: terrain following Surface pressure at surface
Hybrid coordinate: NCAR CCSM Lower levels: Higher levels P
2. Forces PGF Gravity Friction-important in PBL (planetary boundary layer) Coriolis force (apparent force, due to the earth’s rotation)
