PARAMETRIC INTERPRETATION OF TRADE-WIND CUMULUS BUDGET STUDIES.

Abstract

Interpretation of the diagnostic budget studies of the undisturbed BOMEX period, 22-26 June 1969, using a parametric cloud model with continuous detrainment as well as entrainment. Compensating environmental motion, lateral detrainment and cloud transience are discussed in relation to the model results. The model shows the close coupling of the thermodynamic fluxes, and suggests that they can be represented well for some purposes, by a single cloud mass flux profile, rather than by a spectral cloud model. The extension of the methodology to precipitating convection is indicated briefly.