Vol. 18, issue 08, article # 15

pdf Matveev L. T. Synoptic conditions for cumuliform cloud formation. // Atmospheric and oceanic optics. 2005. V. 18. No. 08. P. 646-647.
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Abstract:

From data of daily meteorological observations on the territory of Western Europe and Soviet Union in 1963 and 1964 and surface synoptic maps (00:00 and 12:00 GMT), we determined the conditions of formation of cumuliform clouds in different meteorological situations. Most often (in 60-70% of the cases) these clouds are formed in low-pressure regions (cyclones and troughs). In most cases, (70 to 100%) clouds are observed at distances longer than 500 km from the center of both cyclone and, especially, anticyclone. Mainly the formation of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds is governed by the dynamic rather than radiative-thermal factor. The formation of cumulus cloud fields is strongly affected by the downward vertical motions acting to transform stratus clouds first into stratocumulus and then into cumulus.