The effect of spatial variability of latent heat release on the movement and growth of an extratropical cyclone

Includes bibliographical references.Includes illustrations and maps.Although it is known that latent heating within a cyclone can play a key role in the necessary redistribution of mass, little is understood of the exact nature of the time and space variability of diabatic processes. The purpose of this research was to obtain detailed information on the mechanisms of mass redistribution using a moving budget volume to isolate the processes which directly influence cyclone development and maintenance and using isentropic coordinates to separate atmospheric flow into adiabatic and diabatic components. Calculations of the mass budgets for both total and partial cyclonic volumes reflect the effect of spatial variations of latent heat release. Latent heat release, and the resulting diabatic mass transport, appear to effect the movement and growth of the cyclone.M.S. (Master of Science