A linear spectral model of tropical mesoscale systems: sensitivity studies.

A revised version Of Raymond's wave-CISK model is used to study the propagation of mesoscale modes. The sensitivity of unstable modes to variations in basic state stability and wind show (characteristics of the eastern Atlantic during GATE), as well as parameterized cumulus heating is examined. Unstable, modes exist for mesoscale wavelengths, which are sensitive to the details of the cumulus heating parameters as well as the structure of the large-scale wind shell. In many cases, the most unstable mode has a two-dimensional structure.

Related Topics

• Convection,
• Idealized models,
• Tropics