Terrain Influence on the Weather Don Day Jr

Terrain Influence on the Weather Don Day, Jr. Day. Weather, Inc.

Boundary Layer • The boundary layer is defined as that part of the atmosphere that directly feels the effect of the earth's surface. . All this turbulence redistributes heat, moisture and the drag on the wind within the boundary layer.

Boundary Layer • Terrain can influence thickness and shape of the boundary layer and what happens in the boundary layer (the layer we fly in).

Boundary Layer • This is where balloons spend most of their time • Thickness varies based on weather conditions and terrain • Lots of variables • Stability is critical along with terrain in boundary layer behavior

Terrain + Weather Variables • Terrain height and shape • Terrain complexity • Speed angle of wind intersecting terrain • Stability • Sun angle • Soil moisture • Uneven heating due to clouds • Vegetation type

Wind over Water • The winds, whether generated by a coastal storm or an afternoon summer sea breeze, blow faster over the ocean than over the land because there is not as much friction over the water. The land has mountains, coastal barriers, trees, human-made structures, and sediments that cause a resistance to the wind flow.