Orographic cloud over the eastern slopes of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii, related to insolation and wind
During the period 1 to 11 June 1978, solar radiation and other meteorological data were gathered at eight stations arranged in a nearly linear transection extending from the coast at Hilo, Hawaii to Mauna Loa Observatory, 60 km inland and 3400 m higher. Solar radiation distributions followed climatological rainfall patterns; the driest areas were sunniest. At the wettest sites, underneath the orographic cloud, measured global solar radiation was only 50% of clear-sky potential, and the diffuse component probably accounted for more than 50% of the global radiation. The orographic cloud developed during the day in upslope winds, and sharply reduced afternoon solar radiation at all sites. Total cloudiness, and hence insolation, varied greatly from day to day due to the passage of trade wind cloud masses and jet stream cirrus.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Hawaii, Honolulu
- OSTI ID:
- 6216773
- Journal Information:
- Mon. Weather Rev.; (United States), Vol. 108:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HAWAII
SOLAR RADIATION
MEASURING METHODS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CLOUDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
GRAPHS
HUMIDITY
INSOLATION
MAPS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SOLAR FLUX
TABLES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
VOLCANOES
WIND
NORTH AMERICA
RADIATIONS
STELLAR RADIATION
USA
WESTERN REGION
140400* - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects
510100 - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- (-1989)
500100 - Environment
Atmospheric- Basic Studies- (-1989)