CHARACTERISTICS OF MOUNTAIN-INDUCED THUNDERSTORMS AND CUMULUS CONGESTUS CLOUDS FROM BUDGET MEASUREMENTS.

Abstract

Apparent mass, moisture and energy sources associated with individual cumulus congestus and thunderstorm clouds are measured using an instrumented aircraft. The results for thunderstorms are similar to those obtained by other investigators. Cumulus congestus clouds differ greatly from thunderstorms and show the important role of mixing in producing downdrafts. The thunderstorm profiles are strongly affected by precipitation-induced downdrafts.