Tropical Meteorology

Abstract

In 1947, when the University of California established its Institute of Geophysics at Los Angeles, one of the research projects initiated with the Institute was an investigation of the synoptic meteorology of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Although the literature contained only scanty references to the topic, it was known that many meteorological data had been collected during World War II and that new ideas had been fermenting in the area throughout the period of conflict. In order to obtain some insight into the general condition of synoptic meteorology in the Pacific as a preliminary to the investigation the Director of the Institute at that time (Dr. J. Kaplan) issued a questionnaire to meteorologists who were known to have been associated with Pacific observation and research during the war, and answers from about half of those addressed were finally received in the Institute. It would serve no good purpose to enter here into a detailed analysis of the replies; however, one striking feature revealed by the survey is relevant, since it turns out to be characteristic of the present state of tropical meteorology in general. The replies fell into three well-marked classes, distinguished by the method of approach to tropical weather problems displayed, in some cases consciously, in others unconsciously, by the authors.