An analysis of wave structure near center of maximum turbulent kinetic energy

An analysis is made of the wave structure near the center of maximum turbulent energy at 500 mb, Winter 1964. It is found that the kinetic energy of the zonal component is about twice that of the meridional component of the turbulent motion. The kinetic energy of the zonal component of the turbulent motion is essentially contributed by waves of low frequencies and by the interactions of waves of all frequencies. However, waves of all frequencies contribute to the kinetic energy of the meridional component of the turbulent motion. In the intermediate and high frequency ranges, contributions come mostly from interactions of waves of low frequency and the zonal mean motion, whereas in the low frequency range, contribution comes mainly from the ageostrophic motion.