The Trade Wind Inversion at the Slopes of Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Bernard G. Mendonca Environmental Science Services Administration, Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii

Search for other papers by Bernard G. Mendonca in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Wayne T. Iwaoka Environmental Science Services Administration, Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii

Search for other papers by Wayne T. Iwaoka in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Full access

Abstract

Measurments were taken along the east slopes Mauna Loa, Hawaii, to determine whether the normally present trade wind inversion reaches the mountain and whether its properties there are similar to those over the ocean. Temperature, mixing ratio and condensation nuclei concentration profiles were measured and plotted to study the properties of the air along the slopes, especially at altitudes where the radiosonde observations indicated an inversion. This inversion, along with its properties in the free atmosphere, has been detected at the surface of the mountain and is particularly pronounced in the early morning. Its properties there correspond closely with those in the free air.

Abstract

Measurments were taken along the east slopes Mauna Loa, Hawaii, to determine whether the normally present trade wind inversion reaches the mountain and whether its properties there are similar to those over the ocean. Temperature, mixing ratio and condensation nuclei concentration profiles were measured and plotted to study the properties of the air along the slopes, especially at altitudes where the radiosonde observations indicated an inversion. This inversion, along with its properties in the free atmosphere, has been detected at the surface of the mountain and is particularly pronounced in the early morning. Its properties there correspond closely with those in the free air.

Save