Low Level Wind Speed Maximum in East Texas during August, 1977

摘要

The low level jet (LLJ) is a region of high wind speeds (generally greater than 24 knots) which occurs in the lowest kilometer or two of the earth's atmosphere. The jet plays a very important role in water vapor transport over east Texas and into the other Great Plains states. Warm, humid air is transported from the Gulf o Mexico inland via the low level jet. This flow of humid air plays an important role in several different processes. It has been associated with the occurrence of Gulf flow stratus over east and central Texas and into Oklahoma. This flow of humid air is also an important source of moisture for the middle-latitude storms of North America. These are just two of the many processes which have close ties wth the low level jet. This study attempts to examine the relationships between the low level jet and some of these processes. Additionally, it will expand upon some recent works concerning the low level jet. This study will begin by discussing a variety of theories concerning the reasons for the formation of the low level jet. The theories will be presented in a very general manner just to give the reader a background for understanding some of the phenomena associated with the jet. A variant of the concept of the low level jet which we will call the low level wind speed maximum will be defined.