A Dynamical Model for Prediction of Formation, Growth and Dissipation of a Cloud

摘要

A dynamical model for the prediction of the life cycle of a desert cloud has been developed. The cloud is assumed to be a plume, i.e., to be contained within a cylindrical axi-symmetric volume. Thus, given ambient atmospheric conditions, and appropriate initial and boundary conditions, it is possible to predict the evolution as a function of height of a cloud. In all cases which we tested, the initial and ambient data were such that the life cycle never exceeded a few minutes. This is probably due to the fact that the data were compatible with a dry environment, thus preventing development. It is shown how this model may be interlaced with one for the larger scale circulation, thus providing the possiblity for the prediction of moisture convergence, necessary for cloud formation. (Author)