Saturation Point Analysis of Moist Convective Overturning.

A unified approach to the thermodynamics of cloudy air, cloud-clear air mixing processes, atmospheric thermodynamic equilibrium structure and instability is formulated, using a new concept: the Saturation Point. This permits the representation of mixing processes and virtual potential temperature isopleths for clear and cloudy air on a thermodynamic diagram (a tephigram is used here), and their comparison with the atmospheric stratification. Illustrative examples will be given for evaporative mixing instability and convective equilibrium structure for stratocumulus, cumulus and cumulonimbus convection and convection in the incipient severe storm atmosphere.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1982: Cloud Thermodynamic Models in Saturation Point Coordinates.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1983: Thermodynamics of mixed stratocumulus layers: saturation point budgets.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1984: Boundary layer thermodynamics of a High Plains severe storm

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1985: Mixing line analysis of clouds and cloudy boundary layers

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1986: A new convective adjustment scheme. Part I

Related paper: Betts, A. K. and M.J. Miller, 1986: A new convective adjustment scheme. Part II