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Thunderstorm vertical velocities and mass flux estimated from satellite dataInfrared geosynchronous satellite data with an interval of five minutes between images are used to estimate thunderstorm top ascent rates on two case study days. A mean vertical velocity of 3.5/ms for 19 clouds is calculated at a height of 8.7 km. This upward motion is representative of an area of approximately 10km on a side. Thunderstorm mass flux of approximately 2x10 to the 11th power/gs is calculated, which compares favorably with previous estimates. There is a significant difference in the mean calculated vertical velocity between elements associated with severe weather reports (w bar=4.6/ms) and those with no such reports (2.5/ms). Calculations were made using a velocity profile for an axially symmetric jet to estimate the peak updraft velocity. For the largest observed w value of 7.8/ms the calculation indicates a peak updraft of approximately 50/ms.
Document ID
19790012464
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Adler, R. F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Fenn, D. D. (Gen. Elec. Co. Beltsville, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: 4th NASA Weather and Climate Program Sci. Rev.
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
79N20635
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle19790012462Collected WorksFourth National Aeronautics and Space Administration Weather and Climate Program Science Review
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