Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers – Physics World

Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers – Physics World



Scientists have spotted resonant waves travelling around the globe. (NASA's Earth Observatory)

Earth’s atmosphere rings like a bell

Scientists have confirmed a 200-year-old hypothesis that Earth’s entire atmosphere vibrates like a giant bell. Using data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts to examine atmospheric pressure worldwide on an hourly basis from 1979 to 2016, they showed that the vibrations produce waves travelling in both directions around the globe. This creates a ‘checkerboard’ pattern of high and low pressure that matches theoretical predictions from the early 1800s. The findings are “a beautiful example of fundamental theory confirmed in observations – something not very common in a complex system like the Earth’s atmosphere”, says climate scientist Ted Shepherd.

Physics World | 6 min read