OBSERVATIONAL DETERMINATION OF CLOUD MASS FLUX DISTRIBUTIONS.

Abstract

Using Arakawa's spectral representation of cumulus convection, the cloud mass flux distributions and other cloud properties are diagnostically determined from large-scale observations. Observational data over the tropical Atlantic Ocean during the BOMEX Phase 3 (22 to 30 June 1969) are used. The analyzed period is subdivided into three parts according to different synoptic situations. The cloud properties and the manner of interaction between large-scale fields and cumulus convection under the different situations are examined.