Articles | Volume 33, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-1253-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-1253-2015
Regular paper
 | 
05 Oct 2015
Regular paper |  | 05 Oct 2015

A discussion on the existence of the anomalous high and the anomalous low

N. Li

Abstract. The air flow in a three-way balance between the Coriolis force, the centrifugal force and the pressure gradient force, i.e., the gradient wind, is discussed. The author studies formation mechanisms and possible existence of four types of gradient wind (the normal high, the normal low, the anomalous high and the anomalous low), and proposes reasonable explanation of the evolution of the gradient wind, especially for the anomalous high and the anomalous low, both of which are considered to be pure mathematical solutions and are overlooked in classic literature.

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Short summary
The gradient wind is a basic issue in geophysics. In classic literature, two types of the gradient wind, the anomalous high and the anomalous low, are considered to be pure mathematical solutions with no physical meaning. However, through the detailed discussion on evolution mechanisms, the author proposes comprehensive and reasonable explanation of the gradient wind including the two confused types which probably exist in atmosphere. This gives a deep understanding of the Earth' atmosphere.