On the dynamics of Hawaiian cloud bands: comparison of model results with observations and island climatology

Abstract

The strength and location of the upwind convergence zone were well simulated, as well as the strong deflection and decleration of the flow around the island and the geometry and location of the upstream cloud bands. Model runs with different wind directions showed that increasing northerly tradewind flow resulted in the band clouds moving closer to the shore line, and the large scale flow pattern rotating counterclockwise. Model results were also compared with various aspects of the island climatology, and good agreement was found in both the temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation on the island. -from Authors