Convective Activity Observed by FM-CW Radar.
Abstract
Data taken in San Diego by the fixed and mobile FM-CW (frequency-modulated, continuous-wave) radars reveal characteristic echo structures created by forced and free convection. Echoes produced by forced convection are not structured and are observed over rough terrain when the surface wind speed is above average and the vertical lapse rate of temperature is nearly unstabily stratified. Echoes produced by free convection (C-echoes) have been observed simultaneously at the coast and 5.6 km inland. C-echoes are structured and observed when the surface is strongly heated by the sun. C-echoes extended above the tops of surface-based superadiabatic layers which were always present when C-echoes were observed. The presence of the superadiabatic layer at the coast during a westerly wind is unexplained. At 5.6 km inland the C-echoes often appear like inverted 'Us' or 'Vs' (plumes) whose tops penetrate upward to greater heights as surface heating continues. Dissipation occurs in the late afternoon. The plumes sometimes occurred in well-defined sequences. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0781847
Entities
People
- V. R. Noonkester
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command