Objective Cross-Sectional Analyses Incorporating Thermal Enhancement of the Observed Winds

Abstract

Overlapping second-order Lagrangian polynomials are used to construct cross-sectional isentropic analyses from upper air sounding observations. Estimates of geostrophic winds are obtained through the thermal wind relationship. Thermal information is also combined with normal components of the observed wind to obtain a thermally enhanced, observed wind analysis. Results using these techniques are presented and compared with a previous objective analysis technique developed by Shapiro and Hastings (1973). Examination of the results indicates the applicability of the techniques both for operational and research purposes.