ATMOSPHERIC VARIATIONS: VACILLATIONS AND INDEX CYCLES.

Abstract

Zonal indices, momentum flux, and mean and perturbation kinetic energies of the Southern Hemisphere upper troposphere, derived from the EOLE constant density balloon data set, are found to posses strong 18 to 23 day variations which are statistically significant to a posteriori levels. Examination of two independent data sources, time series of total ozone and stratospheric thickness data from the Selective Chopper Radiometer, suggests that the periodicity is a property of general hemispheric motion rather than just a property of the EOLE data set. Finally, the periodicity is discussed with reference to hemispheric energetics along with its relevance to numerical weather prediction.