Trachte, K.; Rollenbeck, R. & Bendix, J. (2010): <b>Nocturnal convective cloud formation under clear&#8208;sky conditions at the eastern Andes of south Ecuador</b>. <i>Journal of Geophysical Research</i> <b>115</b>, D24203.
Resource Description
Title:
Nocturnal convective cloud formation under clear‐sky conditions at the eastern Andes of south Ecuador
FOR816dw ID:
933
Publication Date:
2010-12-01
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Katja Trachte
Contact:
email:
katja.trachte <at> b-tu.de
Atmospheric Processes
Burger Chaussee 2
Campus Nord, LG 4/3
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
03044 Cottbus
Germany
Individual:
Ruetger Rollenbeck
Contact:
email:
rollenbe <at> staff.uni-marburg.de
Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing
Faculty of Geography
Philipps University of Marburg
Deutschhausstr. 10
35032 Marburg
Germany
Individual:
Jörg Bendix
Contact:
email:
bendix <at> staff.uni-marburg.de
Faculty of Geography
Deutschhausstraße 10
Philipps University of Marburg
Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing
35032 Marburg
Germany
Abstract:
The formation of nocturnal convective clouds at the eastern Andes of south Ecuador and the adjacent Peruvian Amazon basin was investigated in a numerical model study. Their formation is expected to be an interactive procedure of nocturnal downslope flows in<br/>
the Andean terrain, which forms a concave drainage system in the target area. Satellite imagery were used for both the identification of a sample case with a nocturnal cold cloud appearance and for the verification of the simulated results. The cloud patterns were<br/>
distinguished on the basis of IR temperatures. A comparison of the data demonstrated the occurrence of a cold cloud shield in the target area, although the modeled cluster is significantly smaller. Further analysis of the development of the convective cells confirmed the assumed underlying processes. A strong current in the lower atmosphere, presumably a drainage flow, was recognizable in association with strong moisture convergence using a cross section through the cluster. Their presence was confirmed on the basis of their characteristic features and the surface energy fluxes as the driving force for thermally induced downslope flows.
Literature type specific fields:
ARTICLE
Journal:
Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume:
115
Page Range:
D24203
Metadata Provider:
Individual:
Jörg Bendix
Contact:
email:
bendix <at> staff.uni-marburg.de
Faculty of Geography
Deutschhausstraße 10
Philipps University of Marburg
Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing
35032 Marburg
Germany
