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arXiv · 1003.5466

Potential energy of atmospheric water vapor and the air motions induced by water vapor condensation on different spatial scales

Anastassia M. Makarieva·Victor G. Gorshkov
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Abstract

Basic physical principles are considered that are responsible for the origin of dynamic air flow upon condensation of water vapor, the partial pressure of which represents a store of potential energy in the atmosphere of Earth. Quantitative characteristics of such flow are presented for several spatial scales. It is shown that maximum condensation-induced velocities reach 160 m/s and are realized in compact circulation patterns like tornadoes.

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Anastassia M. Makarieva, Victor G. Gorshkov. 2010-03-29. Potential energy of atmospheric water vapor and the air motions induced by water vapor condensation on different spatial scales. https://arxiv.org/abs/1003.5466

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