On the structure of trade-wind air below cloud
Citable URI
https://hdl.handle.net/1912/5433Location
Puerto RicoDOI
10.1575/1912/5433Keyword
Clouds; Cumulus; Trade winds; Aeronautics in oceanographyAbstract
The moisture and temperature structure of the trade-wind
mixed layer are compared under conditions of strong versus weak
trade. The data used are two series of aircraft psychrograph
soundings made over the ocean near Puerto Rico in early spring.
The first in conditions of strong undisturbed trade and high zonal
index (April 10 - 28, 1946) and the second under conditions of
weak rather disturbed trade and low zonal index (March 18 - April 7,
1953).
The weak trade soundings show a less homogeneous moisture
distribution and a less stable temperature lapse rate. Considerable
variation in structure of the lowest air accompanies changes
in the trade regime which may give rise to significant fluctuations
in energy input at the source region for atmospheric circulations.
The importance of wind stirring in the upward transfer of moisture
is indicated, which may affect the formation of trade cumulus clouds.
Further studies investigating the relation between air and ocean
structure at their boundary are suggested by the evidence herein,
which may relate to the formation of tropical storms.
Description
Originally issued as Reference No. 56-52, series later renamed WHOI-.
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Suggested Citation
Technical Report: Malkus, Joanne Starr, "On the structure of trade-wind air below cloud", 1956-08, DOI:10.1575/1912/5433, https://hdl.handle.net/1912/5433Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
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On the formation and structure of downdrafts in cumulus clouds
Malkus, Joanne Starr (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1954-08)Downdrafts, exhibiting speeds and mass transports comparable to those of the main updrafts, are a common feature of the cumulus clouds studied by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's FBI aircraft in the trade-wind region. ... -
On the structure of the trade wind moist layer
Malkus, Joanne Starr (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1957-01)Comparison of the lower trade-wind air under conditions of strong versus weak circulation is continued, Moisture and thermal structure and transports from the top of the mixed layer up to the trade-wind inversion are ... -
Concerning the structure of some cumulus clouds which penetrated the high tropical troposphere
Malkus, Joanne Starr; Ronne, Claude (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1954-03)Some extremely large oceanic trade-mind cumulonimbus clouds extending upwards of 40,000 ft. into a region of strong winds and intense vertical shear have been studied by means of time-lapse photography. A simultaneous still ...