Deformation of the Marine Inversion and the Development of Marine Fog and Stratus Resulting from Warm Water Patches: Numerical Modeling and Verification with Satellite Imagery.
Abstract
The results presented here represent the initial application of a numerical model, designed originally to study snow storms occurring downwind of a warm lake, to stratus/fog systems occurring downwind of the warm water patches inthe ocean. Major differences between the two applications include: (1) an order of magnitude difference in inversion heights, with the base of the marine layer inversion being typically a few hundred meters above the surface and (2) air-water temperature differences of a couple of degrees centigrade over the ocean compared to 5-15 C over the lake. Using observed sea surface temperature patterns and meteorological conditions as imput, Lavoie model simulations reproduce quite well the location and orientation of the major axis of the cloud field and predict a maximum in liquid water content near the bright core of the observed cloud. The location of the seaward edge of the cloud pattern is reproduced but with somewhat less skill than for the other cloud field features. This limited feasibility study has demonstrated that a significant potential exists for developing a stratus cloud-fog forecasting method based on a suitably modified version of the Lavoie model which uses satellite imagery as the basic input.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA081089
Entities
People
- C. William Rogers
- James T. Hanley
Organizations
- Calspan