Kung, E. C., 1967: Diurnal and long-term variations of the kinetic energy generation and dissipation
for a five-year period. Monthly Weather Review, 95 (9), 593-606.
Abstract: The diurnal variation and long-term variation of the kinetic energy generation
and dissipation are investigated with the wind and geopotential data observed
twice a day at 00 and 12 GMT over North America during a 5-yr period. The
generation from the work done by the horizontal pressure force and the dissipation
are significantly and consistently greater at 00 GMT than at 12 GMT. The
diurnal variation is especially pronounced during the summer. The annual
march of the seasons and the year-to-year variation of the kinetic energy
parameters are also significant.
By the use of twice-a-day observations for an extended period, the study
over North America is increased in generality as an approximation to hemispherical
features. However, some uncertaintly remains in this respect because of
the possible effects of the semidiurnal variations and unconfirmed radiation
errors in the radiosonde observations. The previously reported double maxima
of the generation and dissipation in the planetary boundary layer and at
the jet stream level derived from limited data are confirmed in this study.
The multi-annual mean of the dissipation is estimated as 4.12 watts/m2. About half of the estimated dissipation takes place in the boundary layer,
and the other half takes place in the free atmosphere.