polar vortex Polar vortex or Potential Vorticity?

[Vorticity0123]

Hi all,

 

While reading through many posts on here I became aware of the abbreviation PV. In the beginning, I thought it stood for polar vortex. However, I noted on further examination in a few scientific articles that the abbreviation PV was actually used for Potential vorticity (a measure for spinning motion in the atmosphere). Because I have used (possibly incorrectly) the abbreviation a couple of times referring to polar vortex, I have really begun to doubt which meaning is correct. Therefore, I would like to ask: Has anybody else noticed this misunderstanding in the abbreviation of PV? Or is it simply me who used the abbreviation in the wrong way? And secondly: What is actually the generally accepted meaning of the abbreviation PV?

 

I hope it will help a little in taking away the possible confusion that developed amongside me (and possibly some other members as well).

 

Very many thanks!

 

Vorticity.

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_vorticity

http://trs-new.jpl.nasa.gov/dspace/bitstream/2014/33809/1/94-0540.pdf

http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/1520-0469%281999%29056%3C2359%3ATDORWB%3E2.0.CO%3B2 (a scientific article about wave breaking in the atmosphere)

Edited January 29, 2014 by Vorticity0123