An analysis of the geostrophic kinetic energy spectrum of large-scale atmospheric turbulence

The mean geostrophic kinetic energy spectrums of the large-scale atmospheric circulation features are presented for a 6-month winter period for three elevations at three latitudes. The mean spectrums are partitioned into two sections, and an 8/3 power relationship is noted between geostrophic kinetic energy and wavelength for the higher wave numbers. The physical significance of the partitioning and of the 8/3 relationship is considered by comparing these results with the results obtained from other investigations of atmospheric energy processes. Certain comparisons indicate that the wavelengths described by the 8/3 power relationship are those for which the two-dimensional turbulence is isotropic. Other comparisons suggest that these same wavelengths are those at which the kinetic energy of the atmosphere is produced.