Understanding Atlantic and Pacific jet stream fluctuations
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - 11:31
in Earth & Climate
A recent study demonstrates the link between observed fluctuations of atmospheric jet streams and the theoretical concepts that describe why jet streams exist. Atmospheric jet streams are fast-flowing currents of air found approximately 10 km above sea level in the extratropical regions of both hemispheres. Because these jets influence regional weather patterns, there is great interest in understanding the factors that control their path, their strength and variations in both.