AN INVESTIGATION OF THUNDERSTORM DISTRIBUTION OVER EXTENSIVE AREAS,
Abstract
The results of investigations of the probable distributions of thunderstorms over extensive areas are presented. In this investigation various types of available data on the occurences of thunderstorms have been examined. Climatological records of the distribution of thunderstorm days show general areas of maxima and minima of thunderstorm activity and monthly fluctuations of these areas. Surface synoptic charts provide some knowledge of the locations of thunderstorm activity at a given time within the limitations of observational density. A comparison of a series of such charts at 0000 GMT with those at 1200 GMT illustrates that useful knowledge of diurnal variation in thunderstorms over an area can be deduced from the charts. Charts at more frequent intervals are essential, however, for completely describing the diurnal cycle. The utilization of photographic records to describe in detail the distribution of cloud cover over extended areas is discussed. The photographic data considered in this report were photographs of cloud cover from U-2 aircraft and TIROS satellites, and radarscope photographs of the precipitating regions of convective clouds. These data illustrate the tendency for convective activity to form in lines although the line configuration is sometimes difficult to identify in the TIROS photographs. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0431550
Entities
People
- Roy H. Blackmer Jr.
Organizations
- SRI International