Potential Temperature Analysis for Mountainous Terrain

Abstract

Potential temperature (θ) analysis supplies needed information that is not obtainable by other methods of graphical analysis. Terrain surface θ maps and large-scale θ cross sections are constructed by using data from weather stations, raobs, and aircraft soundings. Interpretation of the isentropes gives a fairly detailed picture of temperature, stability, and potential wind conditions at and above the surface in mountainous terrain. Applications include weather analyses for fire and pest control and studies of smoke dispersion.