Abstract

AbstractAn analysis is presented of the large‐scale mean state kinematic properties of the wind field based on observed rawinsonde data taken over western Africa and the eastern Atlantic during Phases I, II, and III of GATE. Variables presented are wind direction and speed, zonal wind component, temporal standard deviation of the zonal wind component, vertical p‐velocity and relative vorticity. Wind direction and speed and temporal standard deviation of zonal wind were subjectively analysed at the surface, 850mb, 700mb, 500mb, 400mb, 300mb, 250mb, 200mb, 150mb and 100mb. Grid point data were extracted from analyzed charts at increments of 2° latitude and longitude and used to compute vertical motion and vorticity. Resultant analyses are examined to determine kinematic properties common to all three phases of GATE, trends in these properties from one phase to the next, and differences between properties over western Africa (land) and the eastern Atlantic (water). Features of the mean state are compared with results obtained by other investigators for such phenomena as large‐scale westward propagating wave disturbances, low‐level cyclonic vortices, satellite‐derived precipitation and cloud clusters associated with squall lines.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.