Observed And Modeled Patterns Of Covariability Between Low Level Cloudiness And The Structure Of The Trade Wind Layer

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Observed and Modeled Patterns of Covariability Between Low-level Cloudiness and the Structure of the Trade-wind Layer

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 24 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (946 download)

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Book Synopsis Observed and Modeled Patterns of Covariability Between Low-level Cloudiness and the Structure of the Trade-wind Layer by :

Download or read book Observed and Modeled Patterns of Covariability Between Low-level Cloudiness and the Structure of the Trade-wind Layer written by and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We present patterns of covariability between low-level cloudiness and the trade-wind boundary layer structure using long-term measurements at a site representative of dynamical regimes with moderate subsidence or weak ascent. We compare these with ECMWF's Integrated Forecast System and 10 CMIP5 models. By using single-time step output at a single location, we find that models can produce a fairly realistic trade-wind layer structure in long-term means, but with unrealistic variability at shorter-time scales. The unrealistic variability in modeled cloudiness near the lifting condensation level (LCL) is due to stronger than observed relationships with mixed-layer relative humidity (RH) and temperature stratification at the mixed-layer top. Those relationships are weak in observations, or even of opposite sign, which can be explained by a negative feedback of convection on cloudiness. Cloudiness near cumulus tops at the tradewind inversion instead varies more pronouncedly in observations on monthly time scales, whereby larger cloudiness relates to larger surface winds and stronger trade-wind inversions. However, these parameters appear to be a prerequisite, rather than strong controlling factors on cloudiness, because they do not explain submonthly variations in cloudiness. Models underestimate the strength of these relationships and diverge in particular in their responses to large-scale vertical motion. No model stands out by reproducing the observed behavior in all respects. As a result, these findings suggest that climate models do not realistically represent the physical processes that underlie the coupling between trade-wind clouds and their environments in present-day climate, which is relevant for how we interpret modeled cloud feedbacks.

Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity

Author : Robert Pincus
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319772732
Total Pages : 396 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (197 download)

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Book Synopsis Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity by : Robert Pincus

Download or read book Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity written by Robert Pincus and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-05-29 with total page 396 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents a series of overview articles arising from a workshop exploring the links among shallow clouds, water vapor, circulation, and climate sensitivity. It provides a state-of-the art synthesis of understanding about the coupling of clouds and water vapor to the large-scale circulation. The emphasis is on two phenomena, namely the self-aggregation of deep convection and interactions between low clouds and the large-scale environment, with direct links to the sensitivity of climate to radiative perturbations. Each subject is approached using simulations, observations, and synthesizing theory; particular attention is paid to opportunities offered by new remote-sensing technologies, some still prospective. The collection provides a thorough grounding in topics representing one of the World Climate Research Program’s Grand Challenges. Previously published in Surveys in Geophysics, Volume 38, Issue 6, 2017 The aritcles “Observing Convective Aggregation”, “An Observational View of Relationships Between Moisture Aggregation, Cloud, and Radiative Heating Profiles”, “Implications of Warm Rain in Shallow Cumulus and Congestus Clouds for Large-Scale Circulations”, “A Survey of Precipitation-Induced Atmospheric Cold Pools over Oceans and Their Interactions with the Larger-Scale Environment”, “Low-Cloud Feedbacks from Cloud-Controlling Factors: A Review”, “Mechanisms and Model Diversity of Trade-Wind Shallow Cumulus Cloud Feedbacks: A Review”, “Structure and Dynamical Influence of Water Vapor in the Lower Tropical Troposphere”, “Emerging Technologies and Synergies for Airborne and Space-Based Measurements of Water Vapor Profiles”, “Observational Constraints on Cloud Feedbacks: The Role of Active Satellite Sensors”, and “EUREC4A: A Field Campaign to Elucidate the Couplings Between Clouds, Convection and Circulation” are available as open access articles under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

Clouds and Their Climatic Impact

Author : Sylvia C. Sullivan
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119700345
Total Pages : 371 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (197 download)

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Book Synopsis Clouds and Their Climatic Impact by : Sylvia C. Sullivan

Download or read book Clouds and Their Climatic Impact written by Sylvia C. Sullivan and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-12-11 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clouds and Their Climatic Impacts Clouds are an influential and complex element of Earth’s climate system. They evolve rapidly in time and exist over small spatial scales, but also affect global radiative balance and large-scale circulations. With more powerful models and extensive observations now at our disposal, the climate impact of clouds is receiving ever more research attention. Clouds and Their Climatic Impacts: Radiation, Circulation, and Precipitation presents an overview of our current understanding on various types of clouds and cloud systems and their multifaceted role in the radiative budget, circulation patterns, and rainfall. Volume highlights include: Interactions of aerosol with both liquid and ice clouds Surface and atmospheric cloud radiative feedbacks and effects Arctic, extratropical, and tropical clouds Cloud-circulation coupling at global, meso, and micro scales Precipitation efficiency, phase, and measurements The role of machine learning in understanding clouds and climate The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Specification of Cloudiness and Precipitation by Multi-level Dynamical Models

Author : Frederick Sanders
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 122 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Specification of Cloudiness and Precipitation by Multi-level Dynamical Models by : Frederick Sanders

Download or read book Specification of Cloudiness and Precipitation by Multi-level Dynamical Models written by Frederick Sanders and published by . This book was released on 1960 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The relationship of cloudiness and precipitation to the vertical motion as computed by quasi-geostrophic multi-level numerical models was studied. In order to determine the effects of high resolution in the vertical, both a two-parameter and a ten-level model were used. The models were applied to two storms of a contrasting nature. One was on intense northeastward-moving baroclinic cyclone and the other was a weak lee-side development under predominantly zonal conditions. Geopotential height tendencies at the 950-mb level computed by the ten-level model seemed to be more accurate than those computed by the two-parameter model, as determined by comparison with observed surface pressure tendencies. The exception was in the high elevations of the Rockies, where both models did rather poorly. Mid-tropospheric height tendencies were reasonable compared to the observed 12-hour 503-mb height changes, with the ten-level model doing slightly better than the two parameter one. Cloudiness and precipitation were best related to the vertical motion in the middle and upper troposphere. The vertical motion as calculated by the ten-level model was not significantly better correlated with observed cloudiness and precipitation than that calculated by the two-parameter model. Vertical cross sections through the frontal layers indicated a good correlation between the cloudiness, vertical motion, as computed from the ten-level model, and the orientation of the frontal zone, as shown by the potential temperature fields. This analysis was done using only the vertical motion as computed by the ten-level model, but it was believed that the two-parameter model would not have given such good resolution in the vertical. Quantitative calculations of precipitation were made for the intense storm. The computed amounts were in excess of the observed totals to the northwest of the storm center, but grossly deficient in the warm sector. It was believed these errors were due to the use of a stability parameter which was constant in the horizontal, the use of the geostrophic assumption, and to the presence of circulations on a smaller scale than that detectable by the present network of radiosonde stations.

Mesoscale Cloud Patterns in the Trade-wind Boundary Layer

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9789464478297
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (782 download)

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Book Synopsis Mesoscale Cloud Patterns in the Trade-wind Boundary Layer by :

Download or read book Mesoscale Cloud Patterns in the Trade-wind Boundary Layer written by and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The shallow clouds that top the trade-wind boundary layer are horizontally organised in striking mesoscale patterns. These patterns arise from a subtle interplay between trade cumuli, their mesoscale environment and the larger-scale circulation, an interplay which is not well-understood. Since even small changes in trade-wind cloudiness with warming can significantly alter projections of climate change, this thesis aims to systematically describe mesoscale cloud patterns in the trades, to attain a deeper physical understanding of their origins, and to estimate their sensitivity to changes in their environment.

Clouds and Climate

Author : A. Pier Siebesma
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107061075
Total Pages : 421 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (7 download)

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Book Synopsis Clouds and Climate by : A. Pier Siebesma

Download or read book Clouds and Climate written by A. Pier Siebesma and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2020-08-20 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comprehensive overview of research on clouds and their role in our present and future climate, for advanced students and researchers.

Oceanic Abstracts

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 840 pages
Book Rating : 4.X/5 (6 download)

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Book Synopsis Oceanic Abstracts by :

Download or read book Oceanic Abstracts written by and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 840 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Trade Wind Cloud Evolution Observed by Polarization Radar: Relationship to Aerosol Characteristics

Author : Hilary A. Minor
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (776 download)

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Book Synopsis Trade Wind Cloud Evolution Observed by Polarization Radar: Relationship to Aerosol Characteristics by : Hilary A. Minor

Download or read book Trade Wind Cloud Evolution Observed by Polarization Radar: Relationship to Aerosol Characteristics written by Hilary A. Minor and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the classical unsolved problems in cloud physics is the explanation of the observed short time between initial cloud formation and the onset of precipitation in warm clouds. Although a time interval of about 20 minutes is often quoted for initiation of warm rainfall, few field observations have carefully defined the starting or ending times of trade-wind cumuli development. The goals of this research are to: 1) investigate the characteristic time and height of warm rain formation in trade-wind cumulus using radar and 2) determine the sensitivity of precipitation development in shallow maritime cumuli to variations in giant (sea salt) condensation nuclei (GCN) and other factors such as cloud organization. The microphysical evolution of trade wind cumuli, focusing on the potential role of giant nuclei in influencing the ZDR signal, is characterized using data collected by the National Center for Atmospheric Research S-Pol radar during the Rain In Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) field campaign. The analyzed data set consists of 76 trade wind cumuli, observed over six days of the field project, that have been tracked from early echo development through rainout. Analysis days were chosen based on the results of Colon-Robles et al. (2006) which show GCN concentrations are a strong function of near-surface wind speed. Days were chosen to insure a wind range of low-level wind speeds. Each cloud was analyzed with a time-height section approach that displays the spatial and temporal evolution of the maximum radar reflectivity factor (Zm) and differential reflectivity (ZDRm) within each constant-elevation angle sweepfile, and the correlation between these two fields. Other measures used for the time-height analysis include 'averaged' Z (AZ) and ZDR (AZDR), values which are calculated for entire constant-elevation angle sweeps through the cloud. A statistical analysis of the radar observables for the ensemble of trade wind clouds is performed in order to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the precipitation evolution that can be related to the initial giant aerosol concentration. Our results show a great deal of temporal variability in warm rain development. Warm rain was observed over a wide time range, from within 30 minutes of cloud formation to as long as 170 minutes after cloud formation. The data showed a large amount of spread in both the characteristic time and height for warm rain formation, indicating giant nuclei have a minimal influence on warm rain development. Rather, our results and the statistics imply that precipitation formation in warm clouds is heavily influenced by cloud organization and dynamics. It was found that giant nuclei do influence the rain drop size distributions as larger drops were present above cloud base when the giant nuclei concentrations below cloud base were greater. The Z and ZDR fields show better temporal and spatial correlation when the giant nuclei concentrations were greater as well.

The Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Author : J. R. Garratt
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780521467452
Total Pages : 340 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (674 download)

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Book Synopsis The Atmospheric Boundary Layer by : J. R. Garratt

Download or read book The Atmospheric Boundary Layer written by J. R. Garratt and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1994-04-21 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book gives a comprehensive and lucid account of the science of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). There is an emphasis on the application of the ABL to numerical modelling of the climate. The book comprises nine chapters, several appendices (data tables, information sources, physical constants) and an extensive reference list. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction, with chapters 2 and 3 dealing with the development of mean and turbulence equations, and the many scaling laws and theories that are the cornerstone of any serious ABL treatment. Modelling of the ABL is crucially dependent for its realism on the surface boundary conditions, and chapters 4 and 5 deal with aerodynamic and energy considerations, with attention to both dry and wet land surfaces and sea. The structure of the clear-sky, thermally stratified ABL is treated in chapter 6, including the convective and stable cases over homogeneous land, the marine ABL and the internal boundary layer at the coastline. Chapter 7 then extends the discussion to the cloudy ABL. This is seen as particularly relevant, since the extensive stratocumulus regions over the subtropical oceans and stratus regions over the Arctic are now identified as key players in the climate system. Finally, chapters 8 and 9 bring much of the book's material together in a discussion of appropriate ABL and surface parameterization schemes in general circulation models of the atmosphere that are being used for climate simulation.

Natural Climate Variability on Decade-to-Century Time Scales

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309054494
Total Pages : 645 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis Natural Climate Variability on Decade-to-Century Time Scales by : National Research Council

Download or read book Natural Climate Variability on Decade-to-Century Time Scales written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1996-08-30 with total page 645 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume reflects the current state of scientific knowledge about natural climate variability on decade-to-century time scales. It covers a wide range of relevant subjects, including the characteristics of the atmosphere and ocean environments as well as the methods used to describe and analyze them, such as proxy data and numerical models. They clearly demonstrate the range, persistence, and magnitude of climate variability as represented by many different indicators. Not only do natural climate variations have important socioeconomic effects, but they must be better understood before possible anthropogenic effects (from greenhouse gas emissions, for instance) can be evaluated. A topical essay introduces each of the disciplines represented, providing the nonscientist with a perspective on the field and linking the papers to the larger issues in climate research. In its conclusions section, the book evaluates progress in the different areas and makes recommendations for the direction and conduct of future climate research. This book, while consisting of technical papers, is also accessible to the interested layperson.

Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity

Author : Robert Pincus
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9783030084158
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (841 download)

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Book Synopsis Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity by : Robert Pincus

Download or read book Shallow Clouds, Water Vapor, Circulation, and Climate Sensitivity written by Robert Pincus and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-02-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents a series of overview articles arising from a workshop exploring the links among shallow clouds, water vapor, circulation, and climate sensitivity. It provides a state-of-the art synthesis of understanding about the coupling of clouds and water vapor to the large-scale circulation. The emphasis is on two phenomena, namely the self-aggregation of deep convection and interactions between low clouds and the large-scale environment, with direct links to the sensitivity of climate to radiative perturbations. Each subject is approached using simulations, observations, and synthesizing theory; particular attention is paid to opportunities offered by new remote-sensing technologies, some still prospective. The collection provides a thorough grounding in topics representing one of the World Climate Research Program’s Grand Challenges. Previously published in Surveys in Geophysics, Volume 38, Issue 6, 2017 The aritcles “Observing Convective Aggregation”, “An Observational View of Relationships Between Moisture Aggregation, Cloud, and Radiative Heating Profiles”, “Implications of Warm Rain in Shallow Cumulus and Congestus Clouds for Large-Scale Circulations”, “A Survey of Precipitation-Induced Atmospheric Cold Pools over Oceans and Their Interactions with the Larger-Scale Environment”, “Low-Cloud Feedbacks from Cloud-Controlling Factors: A Review”, “Mechanisms and Model Diversity of Trade-Wind Shallow Cumulus Cloud Feedbacks: A Review”, “Structure and Dynamical Influence of Water Vapor in the Lower Tropical Troposphere”, “Emerging Technologies and Synergies for Airborne and Space-Based Measurements of Water Vapor Profiles”, “Observational Constraints on Cloud Feedbacks: The Role of Active Satellite Sensors”, and “EUREC4A: A Field Campaign to Elucidate the Couplings Between Clouds, Convection and Circulation” are available as open access articles under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

Clouds in the Perturbed Climate System

Author : Jost Heintzenberg
Publisher : Strungmann Forum Reports
ISBN 13 : 9780262012874
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (128 download)

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Book Synopsis Clouds in the Perturbed Climate System by : Jost Heintzenberg

Download or read book Clouds in the Perturbed Climate System written by Jost Heintzenberg and published by Strungmann Forum Reports. This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More than half the globe is covered by visible clouds.

Decade-to-Century-Scale Climate Variability and Change

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309060982
Total Pages : 161 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis Decade-to-Century-Scale Climate Variability and Change by : National Research Council

Download or read book Decade-to-Century-Scale Climate Variability and Change written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1998-12-24 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Society today may be more vulnerable to global-scale, long-term, climate change than ever before. Even without any human influence, past records show that climate can be expected to continue to undergo considerable change over decades to centuries. Measures for adaption and mitigation will call for policy decisions based on a sound scientific foundation. Better understanding and prediction of climate variations can be achieved most efficiently through a nationally recognized "dec-cen" science plan. This book articulates the scientific issues that must be addressed to advance us efficiently toward that understanding and outlines the data collection and modeling needed.

Investigating the Variability of Subtropical Marine Boundary Layer Clouds in Observations and Climate Models

Author : Timothy Albert Myers
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781321913347
Total Pages : 118 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (133 download)

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Book Synopsis Investigating the Variability of Subtropical Marine Boundary Layer Clouds in Observations and Climate Models by : Timothy Albert Myers

Download or read book Investigating the Variability of Subtropical Marine Boundary Layer Clouds in Observations and Climate Models written by Timothy Albert Myers and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Low-level clouds found over the eastern subtropical oceans have a substantial cooling effect on Earth's climate since they strongly reflect solar radiation back to space, and their simulation in climate models contributes to large uncertainty in global warming projections. This thesis aims to increase understanding of these marine boundary layer clouds through observational analysis, theoretical considerations, and an evaluation of their simulation in climate models. Examination of statistical relationships between cloud properties and large-scale meteorological variables is a key method employed throughout the thesis. The meteorological environment of marine boundary layer clouds shapes their properties by affecting the boundary layer's depth and structure. It is found that enhanced subsidence, typically thought to promote boundary layer cloudiness, actually reduces cloudiness when the confounding effect of the strength of the temperature inversion capping the boundary layer is taken into account. A conceptual model is able to explain this result. Next, fundamental deficiencies in the simulation of subtropical clouds in two generations of climate models are identified. Remarkably, the newer generation of climate models is in some ways inferior to the older generation in terms of capturing key low-level cloud processes. Subtropical mid- and high-level clouds are also found to contribute more to variability in the radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere than previously thought. In the last portion of the thesis, large inter-model spread in subtropical cloud feedbacks is shown to arise primarily from differences in the simulation of the interannual relationship between shortwave cloud radiative effect and sea surface temperature. An observational constraint on this feedback suggests that subtropical marine boundary layer clouds will act as a positive feedback to global warming.

Atmospheric Rivers

Author : F. Martin Ralph
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030289060
Total Pages : 284 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (32 download)

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Book Synopsis Atmospheric Rivers by : F. Martin Ralph

Download or read book Atmospheric Rivers written by F. Martin Ralph and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-10 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is the standard reference based on roughly 20 years of research on atmospheric rivers, emphasizing progress made on key research and applications questions and remaining knowledge gaps. The book presents the history of atmospheric-rivers research, the current state of scientific knowledge, tools, and policy-relevant (science-informed) problems that lend themselves to real-world application of the research—and how the topic fits into larger national and global contexts. This book is written by a global team of authors who have conducted and published the majority of critical research on atmospheric rivers over the past years. The book is intended to benefit practitioners in the fields of meteorology, hydrology and related disciplines, including students as well as senior researchers.

Relationships Between Circulation Patterns and Satellite-observed Cloud Cover: April 7-16, 1966

Author : Eldon J. Wiegman
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (767 download)

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Book Synopsis Relationships Between Circulation Patterns and Satellite-observed Cloud Cover: April 7-16, 1966 by : Eldon J. Wiegman

Download or read book Relationships Between Circulation Patterns and Satellite-observed Cloud Cover: April 7-16, 1966 written by Eldon J. Wiegman and published by . This book was released on 1967 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

On the Structure of Trade-wind Air Below Cloud

Author : Joanne Simpson
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (382 download)

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Book Synopsis On the Structure of Trade-wind Air Below Cloud by : Joanne Simpson

Download or read book On the Structure of Trade-wind Air Below Cloud written by Joanne Simpson and published by . This book was released on 1956 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The moisture and temperature structure of the trade-wind mixed layer are compared under conditions of strong versus weak trade. The data used are two series of aircraft psychrograph soundings made over the ocean near Puerto Rico in early spring. The first in conditions of strong undisturbed trade and high zonal index (April 10 - 28, 1946) and the second under conditions of weak rather disturbed trade and low zonal index (March 18 - April 7, 1953). The weak trade soundings show a less homogeneous moisture distribution and a less stable temperature lapse rate. Considerable variation in structure of the lowest air accompanies changes in the trade regime which may give rise to significant fluctuations in energy input at the source region for atmospheric circulations. The importance of wind stirring in the upward transfer of moisture is indicated, which may affect the formation of trade cumulus clouds. Further studies investigating the relation between air and ocean structure at their boundary are suggested by the evidence herein, which may relate to the formation of tropical storms.