Distribution of Low-Level Cloud Rows and Three Dimensional Analysis of Cirrus Clouds

[摘要] Cloud rows of low-level and cirrus clouds were observed over the east Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and Honolulu, with a 16mm timelapse movie camera. It was found that the pattern of the cloud rows was formed under the following conditions; a moist and unstable lower layer existed below a stable layer, and wind shear between the two layers was fairly large. The direction of the cloud rows was in parallel to the wind shear. This result supports the Malkus's consideration about the formation mechanism of cloud rows in the trade wind zone.Three dimensional analysis was made for the shape of the cirrus clouds, and it was found that the horizontal and vertical shapes could be roughly explained by wind shear at the level of the cirrus clouds, by assuming falling velocity of cirrus particles (ice crystals).

[学科分类] 大气科学