Predictability of Inversions at Vandenberg (VBG) AFB, California.

Abstract

Accurate prediction of variations in the height of atmospheric inversions are required for optimum utilization of modern weaponry. A marine atmospheric boundary layer model was used to explore the influence of land on predictions of the inversion heights. Data for this evaluation were obtained from rawinsonde observations taken at Vandenberg AFB, California for each season. Vertical velocities for these data were obtained by vertical integration of the moisture budget equation (Q-method). Results of the model output were compared graphically and by use of RMS error statistics. These results were very poor and revealed that strong land influences on diurnal variations yield inversion height fluctuations which the model cannot reproduce. Further development of the model is necessary to overcome problems caused by the land influence.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA144042

Entities

People

  • R. B. Wilkerson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Layer
  • California
  • Coastal Regions
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Equations
  • Heat Energy
  • High Pressure
  • Humidity
  • Inversion
  • Layers
  • Radiation
  • Regions
  • Surface Properties
  • United States
  • Weather

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Proposed Air Force Base Actions.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers