Open AccessMST radar observations of turbulent altocumulus layers
Author(s) -
Worthington R. M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
atmospheric science letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 45
ISSN - 1530-261X
DOI - 10.1002/asl.588
Subject(s) - meteorology , radar , turbulence , geology , environmental science , climatology , geography , computer science , telecommunications
Radar studies of turbulent layers have focused on Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities caused by vertical shear of horizontal wind, also breaking gravity waves. This study examines another type of turbulent layer, common but rarely studied. Aberystwyth Meso‐Strato‐Troposphere ( MST ) radar shows layers of turbulence where there is no unusual wind shear or breaking gravity waves. In three case studies, these layers have a common characteristic of saturated air, reducing the stability to cause possible convective or shear instability. The associated cloud may be already well‐known altocumulus. Another case study using the MU radar shows how three‐dimensional convective structure can be revealed using a 64‐beam method.