Scale Sensitivity of the Gill Circulation. Part I: Equatorial Case

Abstract We investigate the steady dynamical response of atmosphere on equatorial β plane to a steady, localized, midtropospheric heating source at equator. Expanding Gill’s seminal work, we vary latitudinal and longitudinal scales diabatic pattern while keeping its total amount fixed. focus characteristics that would be particularly important if circulation interacted with hydrologic energy cycles: overturning low-level wind. In limit very small scale in either or direction, vertical transport balances this sets intensity circulation. limit, fast westerly jet is located around center heating. With increasing heating, decreases maximum velocity spatial extent relative The associated eastward mass only scale. These results suggest moisture-convergence feedbacks will favor small-scale convective disturbances surface-heat-flux mean westerlies large-scale easterlies. Part II investigates case off-equatorial