Heat Low Over the Saudi Arabian Desert During May 1979 (Summer MONEX)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In May of 1979 a unique data set was obtained over the desert area in Saudi Arabia near the surface heat low as part of the GARP Monsoon Experiment (MONEX). Analysis of the data reveals that during the day a well-mixed layer extends up to 650 mb, while a stable layer forms above the desert surface during the night. Calculations of the divergence and kinematic vertical velocity show that the entire troposphere is dynamically active with strong descending motions during the day down to a 1 km deep surface layer which has ascending motion in it. There is daytime surface convergence, divergence around 850 mb, and convergence above 700 mb. During the pre-sunrise hours there is descending motion down to the surface with divergence at nearly all levels from the surface up to 550 mb and convergence above this level. The roles of vertical and horizontal advective, as well as radiative, processes in the thermal budget have been investigated. During the pre-sunrise hours the horizontal advective and longwav... Abstract In May of 1979 a unique data set was obtained over the desert area in Saudi Arabia near the surface heat low as part of the GARP Monsoon Experiment (MONEX). Analysis of the data reveals that during the day a well-mixed layer extends up to 650 mb, while a stable layer forms above the desert surface during the night. Calculations of the divergence and kinematic vertical velocity show that the entire troposphere is dynamically active with strong descending motions during the day down to a 1 km deep surface layer which has ascending motion in it. There is daytime surface convergence, divergence around 850 mb, and convergence above 700 mb. During the pre-sunrise hours there is descending motion down to the surface with divergence at nearly all levels from the surface up to 550 mb and convergence above this level. The roles of vertical and horizontal advective, as well as radiative, processes in the thermal budget have been investigated. During the pre-sunrise hours the horizontal advective and longwav...

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: