THE EVOLUTION OF CUMULUS CLOUDS: A NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND ITS COMPARISON AGAINST OBSERVATIONS.
Abstract
Atmospheric thermal convection on the cumulus scale is investigated by numerical solution of the appropriate equations of hydrodynamics and thermodynamics. Initial conditions are based on real or synthetic atmospheric soundings. The one case of synthetic data studied was included to compare the model with a previous simpler model. The other cases are based on actual tropical maritime soundings, two of which correspond with conditions studied by the Naval Research Laboratory by means of instrumented aircraft. The simulated clouds are found to agree in many respects with the real clouds, and in those details in which they disagree possible explanations in terms of limitations of the model and of techniques of aerial observation are discussed. Among the features discussed in some detail are eddy transfer mechanism and the effects of multiple impulses. Recommendations are made for further improvement to the model and for additional field observations. It is concluded that this type of numerical study combined with aerial observation of real clouds offers a very effective method for the study of cumulus dynamics. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0630660
Entities
People
- A. B. Hollinden
- F. W. Murray
Organizations
- Douglas