Satellite climatology of thunderstorm initiation sites in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and northern New Mexico
By: Crystal L.B. Schaaf, Joshua Wurman, Robert M. Banta
Contributors: Wurman, Joshua; Banta, Robert M.
Series: AFGL-TR -- 86-0075; Environmental research papers -- no. 952; Environmental research papers (Hanscom AFB, Mass.) -- no. 952
Publisher: Atmospheric Sciences Division, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory
Published: 1986
Place of publication: Hanscom, AFB, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 35
Subjects: Thunderstorms; Satellite meteorology; Mountain climate
Description: A number of mechanisms produce the convection necessary to initiate thunderstorms over mountainous terrain (that is, orographic lifting, channeling, wake effects, and leeside convergence zones). Mountain ranges are often poorly populated and instrumented, and forecasting severe mountain storms can be a problem. However, studies of satellite imagery of the Rockies of Colorado and northern New Mexico have emphasized the importance of certain topographic regions in producing convection. By tracing individual summer thunderstorms back through time to their initiation sits, it has been possible to identify specific mountainous areas that repeatedly serve as genesis regions for thunderstorms. The identification of these genesis regions and the terrain mechanisms at work. An understanding of the wind regimes and moisture fields is also necessary to recognize the conditions necessary to activate each region. This report is the culmination of a 3-year study of satellite imagery and thunderstorm initiation sites of the Rocky Mountains. (Author).
Notes: Title from cover.

"31 March 1986."

"Atmospheric Sciences Division project 6670."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-31).