The Low-Level Structure of Weak Tropical Waves - A Preliminary Report,
Abstract
High resolution satellite data, ESSA-5 data and wind data derived from the Applications Technology Satellites (ATS), indicate that weak tropical waves characteristically have associated centers of maximum relative vorticity west of the bisector of the 'inverted V' cloud pattern. Two examples of the high resolution satellite views are shown and discussed. Upper-air analyses and a time-section analysis for an ESSA-5 series used to define the original inverted V cloud pattern are examined. These analyses confirm that a trough axis placed on the west side of the inverted V cloud pattern fits the data more consistently than a trough or streamline axis which bisects this pattern. Finally, objective analyses of an Atlantic inverted V cloud pattern based on winds extracted from geosynchronous satellite views are shown. These analyses indicate that an area of maximum relative vorticity exists on the west side of the inverted V cloud pattern. An anticyclone is found south of the inverted V apex contrary to the inverted V model which requires a trough rather than a ridge or anticyclone in this area. The results of this study suggest that the original inverted V model relating to easterly waves requires modification. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766797
Entities
People
- Robert W. Fett
- Roland E. Nagle
- Walter F. Mitchell