Low-order spectral models of the atmospheric circulation: A survey (Q1105439)

This paper spans the complete range from the atmospheric circulation to its description in terms of spectral models; their reduction into components of low order and their solution. This leads to a variety of interesting behaviour characterised by various structures, bifurcations and chaotic motions. The rich diversity of behaviour gives an insight into properties of the large-scale atmospheric circulation. In particular it shows the mid-latitude flow vacillating between a zonal regime with strong westerlies and a meridional flow regime associated with blocking situations. It clearly demonstrates the finite predictability of the atmospheric circulation. This review gives a very full account of one approach to the dynamics of the atmospheric circulation, which combines modern mathematical techniques with physical intuition.