Clausius–Clapeyron Scaling of Peak CAPE in Continental Convective Storm Environments
Abstract
A thermodynamic constraint on convective available potential energy (CAPE) in continental environments is established using an idealized one-dimensional model. This theoretical model simplifies the synoptic-scale preconditioning framework for continental severe convection by considering a dry adiabatic column that comes into contact with a moist land surface. A system of equations is derived to describe the evolution of the ensuing surface boundary layer. From these, the maximum value of transient CAPE in the column can be found for any particular combination of surface temperature and moisture. It is demonstrated that, for a given range of surface temperatures, the value of peak CAPE scales with the Clausius–Clapeyron relation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1175/jas-d-16-0352.1
Entities
People
- Kerry Emanuel
- Vince Agard
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research