Analysis of satellite-observed tropical cloud clusters.: I. Wind and dynamic fields

Eberhard Ruprecht; William M. Gray

doi:10.3402/tellusa.v28i5.11309

Analysis of satellite-observed tropical cloud clusters.: I. Wind and dynamic fields

Tellus

Volume 28 (1976): Issue 5

By: Eberhard Ruprecht and William M. Gray

Open Access

|Jan 1976

Abstract

Composited Northern Hemispheric Data Tabulation rawinsonde data has been gathered relative to three classes of satellite-observed tropical weather systems in the Western Pacific (Eq.–18° N) and in the West Indies (~15–30° N). These systems include the ~4° wide cloud cluster, the cloud cluster environment (~2–6° latitude around the cluster center), and the clear region. Information is presented for the years 1967 and 1968. The data gathering philosophy and methodology follows that discussed in a previous report by Williams & Gray (1973).

Composited information is presented on individual weather system winds, divergence, vorticity, etc. Emphasis is put on the regional differences between the Western Pacific and the West Indies weather systems. Significant differences exist. The mean cloud cluster vorticity budget is calculated. The horizontal divergence of the vorticity transport is the predominant term in the budget in both regions. It is necessary to hypothesize a large eddy transport of vorticity from the lower to the upper troposphere. Other observational findings are also presented.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusa.v28i5.11309 | Journal eISSN: 3035-9554

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Language: English

Page range: 391 - 413

Submitted on: Jun 6, 1974

Accepted on: Jan 15, 1976

Published on: Jan 1, 1976

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 1976 Eberhard Ruprecht, William M. Gray, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 28 (1976): Issue 5