Geophys. Res. Lett., 30(24), 2282, doi:10.1029/2003GL018739, 2003.
The 600−750 hPa relative humidity minimum observed during PEM-Tropics B
By K. Yasunaga, H. Kida, and T. Satomura
Abstract
The height where cumulus convection over tropical
oceans directly transports air from the boundary layer is
statistically investigated, making use of the NASA Pacific
Exploratory Mission-Tropics B (PEM-Tropics B) observed
data. The cumulus convection detrainment levels are
inferred by high CH3I concentrations and relative
humidity. The relationship between the injection height
and stability is also discussed. Tropical cumulus convection
directly transported boundary layer air to the 350−600 hPa
and 750−800 hPa levels. These pressure levels coincided
with the heights where stable layers were frequently
observed. On the other hand, the cumulus convection
infrequently transported boundary layer air directly to the
600−750 hPa levels, being consistent with the fact that
stability around these levels was weak.