The growth of incipient synoptic-scale disturbances in the Tropics.

Abstract

Theoretical studies by Haque (1952) and Lilly (1960) of small perturbations in a statically unstable atmosphere at rest have shown that the preferred scale of motion is that of infinitely narrow columns of alternately rising and sinking motion. If one takes friction and heat conduction into account (Kuo,1961), the preferred horizontal scale becomes finite and is approximately that of a cumulus cloud. Allowing, furthermore, a stable stratification in the areas of descending motion, one finds that the distance between ascending centers may be as much as 20-40 Km.