Abstract
The steady-state atmospheric responses to a finite surface heating through thermal eddy diffusion are studied. The effects of the mean wind, the earth's rotation, and the thermal stratification are considered in a linear system. Scale analysis reveals the limit of the hydrostatic approximation. It shows that the classical aspect ratio is not sufficient in determining the validity of the hydrostatic approximation. It shows that the classical aspect ratio is not sufficient in determining the validity of the hydrostatic approximation, and what the diffusive aspect ratio, the stratification aspect ratio and the Rossby number should be included. Various circulation patterns are presented for different horizontal heating scales and shapes and for different atmospheric mean conditions. In a comparison paper, this study I In a composition paper, this study is extended to investigate the lake-effect nownstorms in the vicinity of Lake Michigan.
