Dynamical Consistency of Reanalysis Datasets in the Extratropical Stratosphere

Abstract Reanalysis data provide a good estimate of global atmospheric temperature and wind fields. However, the available reanalysis datasets reveal nonnegligible discrepancies in their mean state and temporal variability. In this study, the quality of eight reanalysis datasets is evaluated by examining their dynamical consistency in the extratropical stratosphere. The dynamical consistency is quantified by computing the residual of the zonal-mean momentum equation. The residual is generally small in the lower stratosphere, especially at and below 30 hPa, but increases significantly aloft in both hemispheres poleward of 45°, where the effect of parameterized gravity wave drag becomes important. However, at most levels, a large difference in the residual is found among the datasets. This interdata difference is mainly caused by an uncertainty in the Coriolis torque. The non-quasigeostrop…