An attractor embedded in the atmosphere

Abstract

A procedure for deriving a three-variable, one-level baroclinic model by truncating the familiar two-level quasi-geostrophic model is described. The longitude, latitude and isobaric height of the low centre are introduced into the new model as alternative dependent variables. State space then becomes equivalent to geographical space, and the attractor becomes a structure within the atmosphere. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006.