5. Inertial circles in the atmosphere and ocean. Fluid parcels in the atmosphere

Question

5. Inertial circles in the atmosphere and ocean. Fluid parcels in the atmosphere and ocean trace out circles when they undergo inertial oscillations. Calculate the radii of curvature R of these circles at latituds of10, 50°, and 90° in the northern and southern hemisphere for typical flow speeds in the atmosphere (10 m s') and the ocean (1 m st). Be mindful of the sign of R. Report your answers in km. What type of motion, clockwise or counterclockwise, is associated with a positive value of R? How about a negative value of R?

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

Since, Radius of inertial circles can be calculated as follows;

R= V/2Sin(latitude)

R= radius of circle, V= velocity (10 m/s, for atmosphere) latitude = 10, 50, 90

R (at 10 degree)= 10/ 2sin(10) =10 / 0.34= 29.41

R( (at 50 degree) = 10/2sin(50) = 6.53

R( (at 90 degree) = 10/2sin(90)= 5

same can be calculated for ocean by putting V= 1m/s.

R( (at 10 degree) = 1/2sin(10)= 1/0.34= 2.94

R( (at 50 degree) = 1/2sin(50)= 0.65

R( (at 90 degree) = 1/2sin(90)= 0.5

As the radius becomes small with increasing in latitude, hence motion is anticlockwise.

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