Streamfunction Analysis of Interannual Variability in Large-Scale Water Vapor Flux

Richard D. Rosen Environmental Research & Technology, Inc., Concord, MA 01742

Search for other papers by Richard D. Rosen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
David A. Salstein Environmental Research & Technology, Inc., Concord, MA 01742

Search for other papers by David A. Salstein in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
JoséP. Peixoto University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Search for other papers by JoséP. Peixoto in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Full access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

Maps of the streamfunction field for the vertically integrated flux of water vapor over the Northern Hemisphere are presented for each of six annual periods. This approach reveals the existence of a broad-scale cellular pattern in the flow that is not so readily apparent from the more conventional analyses of its zonal and meridional components. In addition, changes in the moisture flow from one year to the next are clearly pictured, a particular good example of which is provided by the behavior of the streamfunction over the Pacific during the period considered.

Abstract

Maps of the streamfunction field for the vertically integrated flux of water vapor over the Northern Hemisphere are presented for each of six annual periods. This approach reveals the existence of a broad-scale cellular pattern in the flow that is not so readily apparent from the more conventional analyses of its zonal and meridional components. In addition, changes in the moisture flow from one year to the next are clearly pictured, a particular good example of which is provided by the behavior of the streamfunction over the Pacific during the period considered.

Save