Mechanics of eddy processes in the tropical troposphere

Summary It is suggested on the basis of the study of observational data gathered byJ. P. Peixoto that the eddy processes in the tropical regions of the middle troposphere operate in an inverse manner as compared with a normal heat engine. Thus, in common with the situation in the lower stratosphere, the region is characterized by a countergradient horizontal eddy heat transport and a rising of colder air and sinking of warmer air on the scale of the large eddy processes.The research reported in this paper was sponsored by the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory, under Contract Nos. AF19(604)-6108 and AF19(628)-2408.