Planetary wave transience effects on the zonal mean flow: simulations with the COMMA-LIM model Original Research Article

A 3D circulation model has been used to investigate the role of the quasi two-day wave propagation, its dissipation and variability in the formation of the middle atmosphere zonal mean circulation. According to linear theory, the accelerations due to dissipation of steady planetary waves are relatively weak. This study shows that the transient quasi two-day wave is able to shift the summer jet towards the equator thereby attenuating the seasonal weakening of the westward jet.