The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and Equatorial Waves

A Historical Review

Abstract

   The discovery of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and atmospheric equatorial waves in the stratosphere, and related episodes in the ensuing researches are reviewed focusing on observational data available in Japan. Atmospheric equatorial wave theory and the wave-mean-flow interaction theory developed successfully, and spectral analyses were effectively used to describe structure, activity and climatic behavior of equatorial waves. Progress in simulating the QBO by global general circulation models is expected in the near future.