Large‐scale atmospheric energetics in the wave‐number domain

Observational studies of the atmospheric energy cycle involving large‐scale components of the general circulation, as measured by wave number around latitude circles, are reviewed. The relevant equations are set down in full form for a closed global system. All pertinent observational studies of the terms arising in these equations are listed chronologically, and the results of the most comprehensive of these studies are displayed in energy flow diagrams for winter and summer average conditions. The need for further work is suggested by the imbalances and omissions and the inadequacies of data coverage.