ON THE RELEASE OF LATENT HEAT AS A FACTOR IN LARGE SCALE ATMOSPHERIC MOTIONS

Abstract

A mathematical formulation is made of a quasi-geostrophic numerical weather prediction model which includes the heat released during the condensation process. One set of 12 and 24-hour predictions is presented and discussed. Included are predictions made with and without the release of latent heat. While predictions were made at six pressure surfaces, figures only include height of the l000-, 500-, and 200-mb surfaces, the vertical motion at the 800-, 600-, 400-, and 200-mb surfaces, and precipitation during 6- and 24-hour periods. The forecasts are compared with the observed distributions and the differences in the forecast patterns due to the release of latent heat are discussed. It is concluded that the release of latent heat causes significant differences in the cyclone-scale pressure, vertical motion, and precipitation distributions during forecasts of one day.