Abstract
WITH reference to the note in NATURE of November 12 (p. 47) upon the semi-diurnal pressure variation, it seems to me that the temperature variation is far more likely to be the result of the pressure variation than its cause. At all events, the pressure variation, however it may be produced, must of necessity lead to a temperature variation, but the converse of this proposition is by no means certain. It seems to be admitted that the atmosphere, as a whole, has a natural period of oscillation not differing greatly from twelve hours, and, that being so, a very trifling force with the same period will suffice to produce the observed phenomena. Is it possible that the earth may encounter sufficient resistance to motion in its orbit to provide this force? If we could assume the æther to act as a perfect fluid, we should have increased pressure at the front and back, using the term with regard to the direction of the orbital motion, and decreased pressure over the intermediate great circle. The direct pressure due to the resistance would have maxima at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., whereas the barometric maxima occur about 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., but I do not think this is a serious objection.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
DINES, W. The Semi-diurnal Barometric Oscillation. Nature 79, 130 (1908). https://doi.org/10.1038/079130b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/079130b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.