Abstract
The longitudinal structure function $S_3(r)$ and the longitudinal and transverse second order structure functions, $S_2^L(r)$ and $S_2^T(r)$ are determined from scatterometer measurements in the. in the atmospheric boundary layer over the tropical Pacific ocean. Very little consistency is found at different longitudes across the inter-tropical convergence zone, unlike mid-latitudes where the $S_2\sim r^{2/3}$ result with a forwards cascade is consistent with upper tropospheric measurements and our recent understanding of the dynamics of stratified turbulence. Part of the reason might be the effect of the wave-guide confinement. But a stronger influence is the existence of large tropical depressions and cyclones, in particular over the western Pacific warm pool.