On Conversions between Potential and Kinetic Energy in the Atmosphere

From a consideration of the large-scale horizontal variations of individual pressure change and 500 mb temperature in a mid-latitude sector of the Northern Hemisphere, computations are made of the required mean conversion of potential energy into the kinetic energy of the horizontal wind systems. The order of magnitude of the estimate obtained is in agreement with that obtained by Brunt from considerations of the frictional dissipation of kinetic energy. In addition, the role of organized overturnings is investigated. It is indicated that overturnings in east-west vertical planes associated with the large-scale disturbances are of primary importance in effecting the release of potential energy.