1. In its broadest sense, the complete statistical description of large scale atmospheric motions. These statistics are generated from the ensemble of daily data and include not only the temporal and spatial mean flows (e.g. Zonal westerlies and easterlies) but also all other mean properties of the atmosphere that are linked to these flows (e. G. , semipermanent waves and meridional cells) that together form the general circulation. The general circulation also includes higher-order statistics that measure the spatial and temporal variability of the atmosphere necessary to understand the large-scale temporal and spatial mean state of the atmosphere (e. G. , seasonal changes and the effects of transient cyclones). Compare planetary circulation. 2. See primary circulation.