In this paper, the Exp-function method is employed to the Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation as a (2 + 1)-dimensional model for nonlinear Rossby waves. The observation of solitary wave solutions and periodic wave solutions constructed from the exponential function solutions reveal that our approach is very effective and convenient. The obtained results may be useful for better understanding the properties of two-dimensional coherent structures such as atmospheric blocking events. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved