The gradient of the mesoscale Kinetic Energy spectrum. The slope shows a large amount of variability around the world. Red colours indicate a shallower slope, with relatively more energy at the smaller scales. These are found along regions with a lot of rainfall, and along mountain ranges.
The small motions in the atmosphere are more energetic than we expect. Why this is the case has been an enduring mystery in atmospheric physics for over forty years. Using novel coarse-graining techniques in collaboration with the University of Rochester, Salah Kouhen has revealed the spatial structure of the small scale energy distribution. This analysis points immediately to convective thunderstorms and mountains as the source of this extra energy. Salah's research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, could lead to improved weather models and a deeper understanding of atmospheric predictability.