학술논문

The Role of Wet Processes in Extratropical Thermal Stratification During the Glacial Period
Document Type
article
Source
Geophysical Research Letters, Vol 50, Iss 23, Pp n/a-n/a (2023)
Subject
last Glacial Maximum
static stability
baroclinic adjustment
effective static stability
convection
meridional temperature gradient
Geophysics. Cosmic physics
QC801-809
Language
English
ISSN
1944-8007
0094-8276
Abstract
Abstract In this study, we differentiate wet processes from dry processes in shaping the extratropical thermal stratification during the Last Glacial Maximum. Our findings indicate that even during the dry glacial period the influence of wet processes on thermal stratification cannot be overlooked. The applicability of dry and wet baroclinic adjustment theory strongly depends on the seasonality rather than the glaciation as the warm season is characterized by a weaker meridional temperature gradient and increased precipitation than the cold season. Despite that the baroclinic adjustment theory based on effective static stability can be proficiently applied to all seasons, the classical dry baroclinic adjustment theory may be better suited for use during relatively cold seasons. These findings have important implications for understanding processes governing the extratropical thermal stratification, particularly in the context of cold climate.