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This can be compared to the image below, of the total northward energy flux in the atmosphere. The ocean contributes an important part of the heat flux at low latitudes, but beyond 40N and S its transport becomes insignificant. The atmosphere
(Marshall & Plumb, 2008)
Comparing this graph to our results, we can see that it is on the same order of magnitude as the total transport of 5.5 PW at 40ºN; from our numbers, eddy transport would constitute 20% of the total at this latitude. Our results seem slightly low again however, considering that eddies are a predominant transport mechanism in mid-high latitudes. Factoring in the transient eddies and data filtration would bring us closer to the 5.5 PW, but not nearly there. The other significant method of energy transport is through latent heat, which is included in the total energy flux graph but not in our calculations. Water that evaporates near the equator and is lifted and transported pole-ward condenses, releasing latent heat and further warming the higher latitudeshigh latitudes. Including this term would likely account for most of the remaining discrepancy.
Bibliography:
Illari, L., & Marshall, J. (2010). 12.307 Project 4 General Circulation. Retrieved from http://paoc.mit.edu/12307/gencirc/climatology_lab.pdf
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