The above-inversion moisture structure observed during FIRE

Abstract

Analysis of thermodynamic parameters obtained over the FIRE region from the NCAR Electra aircraft during ascent and descent soundings through and above the subsidence inversion reveals the existence of alternating dry and moist layers in the free atmosphere just above the inversion. This dry/moist wedge structure was observed before over both the tropical and subtropical oceans (Lilly, 1968; Miller and Ahrens, 1970; Riehl, 1979; and Kloesel and Albrecht, 1989). The structure of these layers, as well as, a preliminary investigation of their source are examined.