Geometrical Patterns of the Atmospheric Flow Fields

Abstract

AbstractGeometrical patterns of some fundamental flow fields in the atmosphere are discussed based on different simplifications and assumptions of the fundamental equations. Results show that the streamlines of cyclones and anticyclones on the 2‐D isobaric surface are similar to the manifold of a centric point (or elliptic point). The flow fields of typhoon and tornado are similar to the manifolds of saddle‐focus points in 3‐D space. When the atmospheric long wave evolves and blocking high appears, the manifold corresponds to the case while a saddle and a center point change from coalescence to separation. The geometrical discussions of these flow fields are more clearly intuitive and do help to understand the patterns formation of atmospheric motion and the underlying mechanisms. Differences exist between the theoretical results and the real behavior of the atmospheric flow due to the simplifications and assumptions made.