In this project we enquire in to the nature of the convective process. We will simulate convection in the laboratory using a tank of water with a heating pad at its base and study convection in the atmosphere using thermodynamic diagrams.
Project Description (PDF)
Notes on relevant theory:
Convection of an incompressible fluid (PDF)
Convection in a compressible atmosphere (PDF)
Tank Experiment
A description of the Convection Experiment can be found at the Weather in a Tank Web site
Atmospheric Data
Dry convection
Example: Aberdeen, SD July 15-16, 2006 - Surface Map
Case Study: Yuma, AZ June 18, 2007 - see Surface Map
Data:
- Altitude, Pressure, Temperature, and Dew Point data every two hours
- Station surface data including incoming solar radiation
Create your own plots:
- Inspect archive of US_satellite Images US_surface Maps to choose the appropriate examples
Moist convection
Example: Tallahassee, FL, April 14, 2008
Case Study: Charleston, SC April 13, 2008
Other links:
