MESOSCALE STUDIES OF INSTABILITY PATTERNS AND WINDS IN THE TROPICS.
Abstract
Rainfall rates in easterly wave and air mass showers at the University of Miami are studied using raindrop camera data collected for the Illinois State Water Survey in 1957-58. It is observed that the first minutes of air mass rain are typically heavier than easterly wave rain. Two severe rainstorms in South Florida are discussed and analytical techniques are appraised. A revised climatology of tornadoes and waterspouts in this area is presented and discussed. Review of the pertinent synoptic maps substantiates that the bulk of this type of activity occurs in unsuspicious summer trade-wind or ridge patterns at the surface with the jet stream well removed from the area. Radar signatures are studied and illustrated. Some tornadoes and waterspouts in South Florida are observed to be associated with intersecting 'fine lines' from convection. This is visualized as a new application of the earlier pressure-jump theories. Here the piston mechanism is convection itself and the leading edge of the cold outflow acts like a rapidly moving cold front. Refractive conditions associated with tornadoes, waterspouts and hail are also described, and mean temperature soundings are illustrated for these events. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0659786
Entities
People
- Harold P. Gerrish
Organizations
- University of Miami