The formation of tropical cyclones

Summary This paper attempts a synthesis of new observations and new concepts on how tropical cyclone formation occurs. Despite many worthy observational and numerical modeling studies in recent decades, our understanding of the detailed physical processes associated with the early stages of tropical cyclone formation is still inadequate; operational forecast skill is not very high. Although theoretical ideas cover a wide range of possibilities, results of new observations are helping us to narrow our search into more specific and relevant topic areas.With 33 FiguresPrologueThis paper is dedicated to Professor Herbert Riehl under whom I studied tropical meteorology at the University of Chicago from 1957–1961 and was later associated with at Colorado State University (CSU). Professor Riehl arranged my first aircraft flights into hurricanes in the late 1950s and gave great encouragment to me to explore the secrets of what causes a tropical disturbance to be transformed into a tropical storm.Herbert would persist in asking me nearly every week or so what causes a hurricane to form? I and my graduate students and research colleagues at CSU have been working to uncover the secrets of tropical cyclone formation ever since. The following article gives my current best estimate of the primary physical processes involved with this topic.     

Particle size distribution and dissolution properties of metals in cyclone fly ash

The particles in the examined cyclone fly ash were all smaller than 0.25 mm. in diameter, and particles smaller than 0.075 mm. in diameter accounted for 88.4 % of the ash weight. This result indicates that cyclone fly ash consists of particles with a small diameter. The metals in the cyclone fly ash were enriched in small particles. The highest concentrations for zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and molybdenum in the cyclone fly ash were found in the smallest particle size fraction (< 0.075 mm.) and for Barium, chromium, nickel, Vanadium and Cobalt in the second to smallest particle size fraction (0.075-0.125 mm.). From an environmental and toxicological standpoint, the smallest particles are of the greatest concern when ash is handed at landfill disposal sites (transport and disposal especially in stormy weather conditions), and some studies have reported risks to workers from prolonged exposure to ash. The results of the comparison of various dissolution methods for metals showed that the digestion procedures with nitric acid alone (USEPA 3051) or with a mixture of nitric acid + hydrogen peroxide (USEPA 3050B) slightly underestimated the metal concentrations in the cyclone fly ash. Although the use of hydrofluoric acid is often necessary for the determination of a number of elements associated with siliceous minerals, its use can result in loss of trace elements during dissolution.     

A box model of mechanically and thermally forced valley winds

Summary Diagnostic consistency relations are set up for an open valley geometry consisting of two main valley sections and a large tributary. Changing various external model parameters one by one, the reaction of the system is being explored.With 2 Figures     

Zur Sedimentologie eines arktischen Deltas (Colville Delta,Nordalaska)

Zusammenfassung Im August 1971 wurden vom Verfasser Feldarbeiten zur Sedimentologie des Colville Deltas, Alaska, durchgeführt. Aus subaquatischen Typlokalitäten wurden Probenkerne gezogen und auf Strukturen, Korngrößen und Mineralogie hin untersucht. Neben konventionellen Labormethoden kamen moderne elektronische Verfahren zum Einsatz (Röntgenradiographie, Röntgendiffraktometrie, Elektronenmikroskopie). Die Arbeiten sind Teil eines Programmes, dessen Gesamtleitung Prof. Dr. H. J. Walker, Baton Rouge, USA, hatte und das unterstützt wurde von: Arctic Program and Geography Programs, Office of Naval Research.

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In August 1971, sedimentological field work was carried out by the author in the Colville River delta, Alaska. Short cores were taken from several deltaic environments and analyzed for structure and composition. Laboratory analysis included both conventional laboratory methods and modern electronic techniques (radiography, X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy). The research reported is part of a program headed by Prof. Dr. H. J. Walker, Baton Rouge, USA, and was supported by the Arctic Program and Geography Programs, Office of Naval Research.

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Résumé En auguste 1971 l'auteur a étudié sur le terrain la sédimentologie du delta de Colville (Alaska). On a prélevé des échantillons dans des profiles de divers environnements typiques; on en a examiné les structures et la composition par les méthodes traditionelles et électroniques (rayons X, radiographie et diffractométrie, microscope électronique). Ces investigations font partie d'un programme sous la direction du Prof. Dr. H. J. Walker, Baton Rouge, USA, subventionné par »Arctic Program and Geography Programs, Office of Naval Research«.

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1971 . , . , . , - , . , . . H. J. Walker, Baton Rouge, USA Arctic Program, and Geography Programs, Office of Naval Research.