Abstract
The conversion rate C of available potential energy into kinetic energy is an important component of the global atmospheric energy cycle. The conversion into kinetic energy occurs on all spatial and temporal scales. In the past only the gridscale part of C has been estimated from gridscale analysis data and values of 2-2.5 W/m 2 have been found. The potentially large conversion rate occuring on the sub-gridscale has never been evaluated. In this study it is attempted to assess the sub-gridscale conversion rate C sub indirectly from the budget of moist enthalpy via a diagnostic method. This method allows to estimate the sub-gridscale heat flux in an atmospheric column which can be related to C sub . However, in addition to the gridscale analysis data, estimates of the 3D radiative heating field and of the surface fluxes of latent and sensible heat are needed as input data. C sub has been evaluated for one month. It is found to be sensitive mainly to the radiative heating field which is not known very accurately. The results suggest, however, that C sub is positive and on the order 2 W/m 2 and as such not negligible compared to the gridscale conversion into kinetic energy.
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