A method to study the structure of standing lee waves and rotors

Authors

  • L. Larsson The City College of the City University of New York

Keywords:

Meteorology, Atmospheric physics

Abstract

This account describes a method of measuring the temperature and humidity field in lee wave and  rotor areas using an aircraft equipped with electrical resistance thermometers. Potential temperature lines, streamlines, can be drawn in the laminar air flow whereby areas with smooth air flow can rather effectively be distinguished from areas with turbulent air. The analysis of the actual rotor case shows that a rotor cloud and the air below form a turbulent vortex with a horizontal axis parallel to the mountain. The transition zone between smooth and turbulent air is very narrow and turbulence appears to be most violent in  this zone.

Author Biography

L. Larsson, The City College of the City University of New York

http://www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/~hindman/sumvitae.pdf

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Published

2017-08-17

Issue

Section

Articles