Axisymmetric theory and the interactive, asymmetric monsoon

The applicability of axisymmetric theory of angular momentum conserving circulations to the large-scale steady monsoon is studied in a general circulation model with idealized representations of continental geometry and simple physics. The axisymmetric theory is expanded to explain the location of the monsoon; assuming quasi-equilibrium, the poleward boundary of the monsoon circulation will be collocated with the maximum in subcloud moist entropy, with the monsoon rains occurring slightly equatorward of this maximum. Starting from an axisymmetric aquaplanet framework, the model complexity is incrementally increased to include first a subtropical continent, then eddies and zonal variation in the flow, and finally asymmetry of the large-scale forcing. It is found that the meridional circulation which develops over a zonally symmetric continent is in good agreement with the axisymmetric theory, but a cross-equatorial meridional circulation does not form over a continent of limited longitudinal width, where the flow is highly asymmetric.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Privé, Nikki C., 1977-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• R. Alan Plumb.

• Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33726

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33726