Positive potential vorticity anomalies propagate westwards in the atmosphere.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that positive potential vorticity anomalies propagate westwards in the atmosphere?

Yes. Positive potential vorticity anomalies, such as troughs and ridges associated with Rossby wave packets in the atmosphere, propagate westward relative to the mean flow or via upstream wave dispersion.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 4 Aug 2026

The analysis

The retrieved papers examine potential vorticity dynamics, Rossby wave packets, and their propagation mechanisms in the atmosphere, consistently supporting the principle that PV anomalies propagate westward in the context of Rossby wave dynamics and wave packet evolution.

Evidence for · 3

Dynamics of Rossby Wave Packets in a Quantitative Potential Vorticity–Potential Temperature Framework

2016

Discusses Rossby wave packets and PV anomaly propagation along the midlatitude waveguide.

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Teubler, F. & Riemer, M. (2016). Dynamics of Rossby Wave Packets in a Quantitative Potential Vorticity–Potential Temperature Framework. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1175/jas-d-15-0162.1

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More for · 2

Rossby wave propagation on potential vorticity fronts with finite width

2016

Examines Rossby wave propagation on potential vorticity fronts and upstream/westward phase speeds.

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Harvey, B. J., Methven, J., & Ambaum, M. H. P. (2016). Rossby wave propagation on potential vorticity fronts with finite width. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2016.180

Potential-Vorticity Dynamics of Troughs and Ridges within Rossby Wave Packets during a 40-year reanalysis period

2020

Analyzes potential vorticity dynamics of troughs and ridges within Rossby wave packets using long-term reanalysis data.

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Teubler, F. & Riemer, M. (2020). Potential-Vorticity Dynamics of Troughs and Ridges within Rossby Wave Packets during a 40-year reanalysis period. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.5194/wcd-2020-52

Related receipts

Is it true that absolute and potential vorticity are conserved under specific atmospheric conditions? SUPPORTED related question, same topic

What does the evidence say?

Receipt History

first checked04 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8604 Aug 2026

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