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Wind shear observations in thunderstorm density currents

Abstract

Acoustic sounder observations of thunderstorm density currents reveal a complicated but ordered internal structure. Fast-response anemometers on a 150-m tower reveal a succession of internal shear layers which occur following the leading portion or nose of the current. The measured wind shear revealed by the anemometers is found to be a function of the temperature differential between the ambient air and the interior of the gust, measured near the surface. An heuristic model is developed to explain this observation.

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Hall, F., Neff, W. & Frazier, T. Wind shear observations in thunderstorm density currents. Nature 264, 408–411 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264408a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/264408a0

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