The Relation Between Cloud Pattern Motion and Wind Shear

Abstract

Cloud motions in the immediate vicinity of a tropical disturbance, measured with geosynchronous satellite data, were compared with independent aircraft wind observations by Smith and Hasler (1976). These data have been further analyzed here to determine whether a component of cloud pattern motion might be associated with vertical shear. An association was detected between vertical shear and cloud pattern motion only in the region of enhanced convection east of the disturbance center. The shear?related effect is to produce a motion component (probably cloud generation) that can add to or subtract from the speed and direction of the cloud patterns as they are advected by winds in the cloud layer.