Bjerknes circulation theorem (applications in meteorology)

E122342

The Bjerknes circulation theorem is a fundamental principle in meteorology that relates changes in atmospheric circulation to forces such as pressure gradients and heating, forming a basis for understanding large-scale weather systems and cyclogenesis.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf meteorological principle
physical law
theorem in fluid dynamics
appliesTo baroclinic atmosphere
cyclogenesis
frontogenesis
large-scale atmospheric motions
midlatitude cyclones
synoptic-scale weather systems
tropical cyclones
assumes continuum fluid
differentiable velocity field
contributesTo understanding of frontal cyclones
understanding of jet stream dynamics
understanding of storm track behavior
describes evolution of circulation in a moving fluid
field atmospheric dynamics
geophysical fluid dynamics
meteorology
foundationFor Bergen school of meteorology cyclone model
potential vorticity thinking in meteorology
quasi-geostrophic theory
theory of baroclinic instability
generalizes Kelvin circulation theorem to baroclinic fluids
historicalPeriod early 20th century
involves Coriolis force in rotating atmosphere
diabatic heating
gravitational force
line integral of velocity around a closed contour
material contour moving with the fluid
pressure gradient force
mathematicalFormulation time derivative of circulation equals integral of baroclinic and body-force terms around contour
namedAfter Vilhelm Bjerknes
relatedTo Ertel potential vorticity theorem
Euler equations
surface form: Kelvin circulation theorem

vorticity equation in meteorology
relates circulation changes to body forces
circulation changes to heating
circulation changes to pressure gradients
rate of change of circulation to external forces
taughtIn advanced synoptic meteorology courses
dynamic meteorology courses
usedFor conceptual basis of modern synoptic meteorology
diagnosing circulation changes in weather systems
explaining intensification of cyclones
explaining role of heating in cyclone development
linking diabatic heating to vorticity changes
understanding development of low-pressure systems

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Jacob Bjerknes developedConcept Bjerknes circulation theorem (applications in meteorology)