THERMAL COMPRESSION WAVES .1. TOTAL-ENERGY TRANSFER

Total energy is considered a fundamental quantity that is transferred poleward by the general circulation of the atmosphere. In this study w e investigate the mechanism for the upscale transfer of total energy f rom a localized heat source, such as a thunderstorm. Using a fully com pressible numerical model it is shown that thermal compression waves c an effectively transfer total energy at the speed of sound. It is sugg ested that physical interpretations of the energy cycle should take in to consideration this mechanism for transferring total energy.