MESOSCALE STUDIES OF INSTABILITY PATTERNS AND WINDS IN THE TROPICS.
Abstract
The trade-wind inversion, its remnants, and other rapidly drying layers in the lower troposphere over Miami are studied using twice daily 'transmitted' radiosonde soundings from January, April, July and October, 1962-1966 inclusive. The layers are selected objectively using the computer and a diagnostic technique based upon the vertical gradient of atmospheric refractivity. It is concluded that the trade-wind inversion is most frequently observed in April, based preferably between 5000-6000 ft MSL. It rises and nearly disappears in July. Frequency distributions also show a substantial number of rapidly drying layers based below 1000 ft MSL at 1200Z. They are very likely ground layers raised by heating. The most startling observation is the appearance of a rather large number of thick, rapidly drying layers based 2000-3000 ft MSL. These are by far most numerous in July. Subsequent analysis suggests that they are a result of subsidence associated with the anticyclonic curvature and attending divergence along the western extremity of the Bermuda ridge. Correlations of these layers with rainfall show that little or no rain occurs near 0000Z when such layers are present. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0830081
Entities
People
- Harold P. Gerrish
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science