Vertical velocity, horizontal divergence and turbulence associated with tropical mesoscale convective system

Abstract

The MST radars have been used to measure directly the vertical motions above the radar site. Vertical velocity profiles and horizontal divergence/convergence derived from the vertical velocity using the mass continuity equation as well as eddy dissipation rate estimated under strong-to-moderate convection period are presented in the paper. Data obtained from the

Indian MST radar located at Gadanki(13.5^oN, 79.8°E) have been used. The height range of the study is from 4 km to 20 km. The aim of the present study is to calculate the horizontal divergence from the vertical velocity and then to find the extent of the enhancement in the vertical velocity and horizontal divergence as well as turbulence distribution during the well

developed tropical mesoscale disturbances. Strong enhancement is observed in the vertical velocity and the horizontal divergence/convergence. Maximum turbulence has been observed near the top of the cloud and above. Eddy dissipation rate of the order of 0.007m²s^-3 has also been observed.