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Transient chaotic mixing during a baroclinic life cycle.
J. Von Hardenberg1, K. Fraedrich, F. Lunkeit
1Meteorologisches Institut der Universitat Hamburg, GermanyIstituto di Cosmogeofisica, Torino, Italy.
Chaos (Woodbury, N.Y.)
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Atmospheric eddies significantly influence tracer transport and mixing in midlatitudes. Understanding eddy dynamics and chaotic advection aids in predicting tracer movement within complex atmospheric flows.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric dynamics
- Geophysics
- Fluid mechanics
Background:
- Atmospheric eddies play a crucial role in the transport and mixing of tracers.
- Midlatitude atmospheric dynamics are complex and influenced by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of atmospheric eddies on tracer transport and mixing at midlatitudes.
- To analyze the trapping properties of developing eddies and their role in meridional transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a simple dynamical model of the atmosphere to study baroclinic life cycles.
- Examining the characteristics of meridional transport and identifying regions of enhanced mixing.
Main Results:
- Identified specific regions of increased tracer mixing due to eddy dynamics.
- Demonstrated the influence of eddy trapping properties on tracer distribution.
Conclusions:
- Concepts from two-dimensional chaotic advection offer insights into tracer dynamics in complex three-dimensional atmospheric flows.
- Eddy behavior is a key factor in understanding atmospheric tracer transport and mixing patterns.