Observations from aircraft of temperatures and humidities near stratocumulus clouds

Abstract

Abstract Observations from aircraft of the Meteorological Research Flight flying near stratocumulus clouds showed steep inversions and hydrolapses directly above the tops of the clouds. Turbulence was encountered below and in the clouds and up to 300 ft above the cloud top. Above this level no turbulence was encountered. Analysis of the heat and water‐vapour budgets of the cloud and air below suggests that the cloud and the profiles of temperature and humidity can only be maintained if there is large‐scale subsidence. The effects of subsidence, outgoing radiation and turbulent transfer are all comparable.