Stability functions based upon shear functions

The stability functions for momentum and heat under a Richardson number formulation are derived from the nondimensional shear functions under a Monin-Obukhov formulation. The Prandtl number is also derived as a function of the Richardson number. Previously, this has been done only in a limited sense. Because the Richardson number formulation is expressed in closed form, iterative techniques are no longer needed in numerical models that use Monin-Obukhov similarity theory. This time-saving approach is made possible by deriving expressions for the friction velocity and temperature in terms of the Richardson-number-dependent stability functions. In addition, the Richardson number approximation in the lowest layer is made to depend explicitly upon the surface roughness.     

Airborne radar and in-situ observations of a shallow stratus with drizzle

Observations were made of a shallow stratus of upslope origin using an aircraft equipped with insitu probes and with a vertically-pointing radar of 3-mm wavelength. A cloud layer of 300 m thickness was found below the inversion; an additional layer of 100 m thickness was located within the inversion. The coldest temperature within the cloud was -2°C and the cloud contained no ice particles. Drizzle drops up to 180 Am were present in both cloud layers.The observations reveal precipitation and air motion structures of approximately 1 km horizontal dimensions. The origin of this organization appears to be weak convection. In addition, mixing played an important role in forming the cloud droplet and drizzle drop size distributions.     

Potentialities and limitations of conventional climatological data for desertification monitoring and control

There is a general lack of meteorological data in arid and semiarid regions, despite the need for such information for the proper exploitation of these areas. Drought is a natural part of the climate of these regions, just like anywhere else. Drought indices are surveyed and the statistical nature of drought is stressed. The correlation between average temperature and precipitation is explored, as well as the role of wind in creating conditions favorable for the intensification of desert conditions.     

Numerical simulation of the development of vortices over the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau

Summary Some of the vortices which develop over the Tibetan plateau during summer give rise to severe weather over eastern China. These weather developments can be difficult to forecast, but have been simulated successfully in a recently developed numerical model. It will be shown that different vortices respond differently to topographic effects, to nonlinear processes and to sensible and latent heating in their formation, maintenance, and motion. Elevated terrain appears to enhance the influence of thermodynamic processes, block airflow, and increase frictional dissipation.Sensible heating sometimes collaborates with topography in blocking cold air intrusions and is not only a function of terrain elevation but also of the synoptic situation. Without the input of latent heating, vortices over the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau tend to degenerate.

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Numerische Simulation von Wirbelbildungen über dem Hochland von Tibet

Zusammenfassung Einige der sich im Sommer über dem Hochland von Tibet entwickelnden Wirbel verursachen Unwetter in Ostchina. Die Vorhersage dieser Entwicklung kann schwierig sein, sie werden aber von einem kürzlich vorgestellten numerischen Modell erfolgreich simuliert. Es wird gezeigt, daß verschiedene Wirbel verschieden auf die Orographie, auf nichtlineare Vorgänge sowie auf fühlbare und latente Wärme in ihrer Entstehung, Erhaltung und Bewegung reagieren. Ein Hochland scheint den Einfluß thermodynamischer Vorgänge zu verstärken, Strömungen zu blockieren und die Reibungsdissipation zu steigern.Die fühlbare Wärme verhindert manchmal gemeinsam mit der Topographie Kaltlufteinbrüche, hängt aber nicht nur von der Hochland-sondern auch von der synoptischen Situation ab. Ohne latente Wärme neigen Wirbel über dem Ostteil des Hochlandes von Tibet zur Degeneration.

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With 22 Figures     

Stochastic model-based methods for handling uncertainty in areal interpolation

Handling of uncertainty in the estimation of values from source areas to target areas poses a challenge in areal interpolation research. Stochastic model-based methods offer a basis for incorporating such uncertainty, but to date they have not been widely adopted by the GIS community. In this article, we propose one use of such methods based in the problem of interpolating count data from a source set of zones (parishes) to a more widely used target zone geography (postcode sectors). The model developed also uses ancillary statistical count data for a third set of areas nested within both source and target zones. The interpolation procedure was implemented within a Bayesian statistical framework using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, enabling us to take account of all sources of uncertainty included in the model. Distributions of estimated values at the target zone level are presented using both summary statistics and as individual realisations selected to illustrate the degree of uncertainty in the interpolation results. We aim to describe the use of such stochastic approaches in an accessible way and to highlight the need for quantifying estimation uncertainty arising in areal interpolation, especially given the implications arising when interpolated values are used in subsequent analyses of relationships.