The structure of the Arabian heat low. Part II: bulk tropospheric heat budget and implications.

Abstract

Combining results with estimates of the surface energy budget inside the Arabian Empty Quarter (described in Part I), and previously estimated tropospheric radiative heating rate profiles, indicates that the heat low is a total energy source region. A conceptual structure of the heat low is offered based on a three-layer stratification of the heating mechanisms. The possible role of the Arabian heat low in controlling thermodynamic conditions and forcing baroclinicity in the western Arabian Sea is discussed. It is concluded that the surplus energy properties of the heat low may serve as an important mechanism in controlling moisture transport into the southwest monsoon rainfall regions. -from Author