Potential energy for slantwise parcel motion

Gray, S. L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8658-362X and Thorpe, A. (2000) Potential energy for slantwise parcel motion. Atmospheric Science Letters, 1 (1). pp. 56-61. ISSN 1530-261X doi: 10.1006/asle.2000.0006

Abstract/Summary

Two formulations for the potential energy for slantwise motion are compared: one which applies strictly only to two-dimensional flows (SCAPE) and a three-dimensional formulation based on a Bernoulli equation. The two formulations share an identical contribution from the vertically integrated buoyancy anomaly and a contribution from different Coriolis terms. The latter arise from the neglect of (different) components of the total change in kinetic energy along a trajectory in the two formulations. This neglect is necessary in order to quantify the potential energy available for slantwise motion relative to a defined steady environment. Copyright © 2000 Royal Meteorological Society.