Investigation of the Arc Cloud Complex

Abstract

Thunderstorm gust fronts, frequently identifiable as arc clouds, are recognized as triggering mechanisms for new convective activity at points of intersections. Arc clouds are recognizable as such only by high resolution meteorological satellite observations and may take on several configurations, depending upon the circumstances. A situation in which an arc cloud is associated with a large convective area is called an arc cloud complex. Several arc cloud complex cases are analyzed based upon a combination of satellite, radar and conventional meteorological observations. The circumstances which led to the development of the arc clouds and their subsequent impact upon their environment are discussed.