Synoptic Thermal Wind Calculations from Radiosonde Observations over the Southwestern United States.

摘要

Thermal wind calculations from radiosonde (raob) measurements over the Southwestern United States were verified for three atmospheric layers: 300-100 mb, 100-50 mb, and 50-20 mb. Sixteen radiosonde station pairs were chosen, and readings were taken in July and August 1973 and January and February 1974 at 0000Z. A correlation analysis was done on the calculated thermal wind versus the average measured wind shears. Results were good at the 100-50 mb layer; but jet stream activity was a factor at the 300-100 mb layer, and radiosonde balloon drift was a possible factor affecting the 50-20 mb layer. Generally, the thermal winds had comparatively larger absolute values than the corresponding measured wind shears. Inherent errors in the procedure employed were discussed, and recommendations for further study of apparent problems were made. (Author)