Abstract
The wave or polar front theory of cyclones was a most significant and far-reaching contribution toward describing, on the basis of sound dynamic and energetic reasoning, the observed three-dimensional structure of the cyclone, its evolution in time, and its role in the general circulation of the atmosphere. Developed under the leadership of V. Bjerknes, it represents an outstanding example of synthesis in meteorological theory, introducing novel ideas and, at the same time, incorporating and substantiating many of the results of Nineteenth Century and early Twentieth Century cyclone theory discussed in previous chapters. The element of continuity in the development of cyclone theory, however, has received little attention, or has been dismissed as negligible. In the following, therefore, emphasis is placed on discussion of the links rather than the contrasts between the polar front theory of cyclones and earlier investigations of storms.1
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
J. Bjerknes, “On the structure of moving cyclones,” Geofysiske Publikasjoner, 1, No. 1 (1919), 8 pp.; reprinted in J. A. B. Bjerknes, Selected Papers (Western Periodicals Company, 1975).
J. Bjerknes and H. Solberg, “Meteorological conditions for the formation of rain,” Geofysiske Publikasjoner, 2, No. 3 (1921), 60 pp.
J. Bjerknes and H. Solberg, “Life cycle of cyclones and the polar front theory of atmospheric circulation,” Ibid., 3, No. 1 (1922), 18 pp. The English titles indicate the trend, beginning with World War I, among authors of small countries to publish in English rather than the traditional German or French.
V. Bjerknes, “On the dynamics of the circular vortex with applications to the atmosphere and atmospheric vortex and wave motions,” Geofysiske Publikasjoner, 2, No. 4 (1922), p. 1.
V. Bjerknes communicated a summary of these results in a lecture before the Royal Meteorological Society, 7 November, 1919, “On the structure of the atmosphere when rain is falling,” Quart. Journ. Roy. Met. Soc., 46 (1920), 119–138.
V. Bjerknes “The meteorology of the temperate zone and the general atmospheric circulation,” Nature, 105 (1920), 522–524.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1979 American Meteorological Society
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kutzbach, G. (1979). Toward the Wave or Polar Front Theory of Cyclones. In: The Thermal Theory of Cyclones. Meteorological Monographs. American Meteorological Society, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-940033-80-8_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-940033-80-8_7
Publisher Name: American Meteorological Society, Boston, MA
Online ISBN: 978-1-940033-80-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive