Transport and Production of Vorticity in the Atmosphere

The classical form of the vorticity equation is transformed into an equation of balance from which the vorticity transport and the rate of vorticity production are deduced. Transport and production are given for 1) an arbitrary component of the absolute vorticity, 2) the absolute vorticity vector, 3) the absolute vorticity flux through a surface, 4) the total absolute vorticity within a volume. Special consideration is given to the absolute vertical vorticity, the absolute vorticity component normal to the isentropic surfaces and the total absolute vertical vorticity of the atmosphere. The influence of vertical motions and of heating and cooling on the vorticity transport is discussed. The sign of the meridional vorticity transport is tentatively determined.