Temporal Variability of the Trade Wind Inversion: Measured with a Boundary Layer Vertical Profiler

Abstract

This study uses Hawaiian Rainband Project (HaRP) data, from the summer of 1991, to show a boundary layer wind profiler can be used to measure the trade wind inversion. An algorithm has been developed for the profiler that objectively measures the depth of the moist oceanic boundary layer. The Hilo inversion, measured by radiosonde, is highly correlated with the moist oceanic boundary layer measured by the profiler at Paradise Park. The inversion height on windward Hawaii is typically 2253 + or - 514 m. The inversion height varies not only on a daily basis, but on less than an hourly basis. It has a diurnal, as well as a three to four day cycle. There appears to be no consistent relationship between inversion height and precipitation. Currently, this profiler is capable of making high frequency (12 minute) measurements of the inversion base variation, as well as other features.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA258189

Entities

People

  • Cecilia M. Grindinger

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Layer
  • Databases
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Information Science
  • Inversion
  • Lapse Rate
  • Layers
  • Measurement
  • Meteorology
  • Radar
  • Refractive Index
  • Regression Analysis
  • Temperature Inversion
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Topography

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Marine Mammal Biology