Some Aspects of the Synoptic Mesoclimatology of the Armidale District, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

The mesoscale temperature and precipitation variations in the Armidale district are clarified according to the synoptic pressure pattern and airflow direction. These variations are found to correspond to the relief characteristics of the Northern Tablelands region. The precipitation distribution is directly related to the elevation changes, particularly with easterly maritime anticyclonic circulations. Temperature variations are influenced by 1) surface heat accumulation [steepened lapse rates] and cold air drainage, and 2) the insolation concentration on the north facing slopes of the west-east oriented Dumaresq Valley. The most pronounced temperature contrasts are only experienced under conditions of anticyclonic stability, both maritime and continental. No temperature contrasts are found in cyclonic maritime circulations because of the associated clouds and turbulence.