Handbook for Forecasters in the Mediterranean, Weather Phenomena of the Mediterranean Basin: Part 1. General Description of the Meteorological Processes

Abstract

An overview of the interacting meteorological processes that affect Mediterranean weather systems on a regional and local basis is presented in Part 1 of the Handbook for Forecasters in the Mediterranean, a document intended to meet the needs of both operational and research meteorologists for working information and source materials. The first part comprises five major sections and eight appendixes with a comprehensive list of references. Among the subjects addressed are: geography and wind systems of the Mediterranean region; the concept of meteorological scales; present knowledge of large scale flow, jet stream interactions, orographic influences, and regional weather regimes and types; important local wind regimes such as the mistral, bora, etesian and sirocco; mesoscale phenomena, including diurnal effects; and areas of atmospheric physics relevant to an understanding of Mediterranean weather regimes including such small scale processes as clear air turbulence, air-sea interactions, and electromagnetic and acoustic refraction. Extensive climatological information is presented throughout the text. Selected meteorological relationships are examined in full mathematical treatments in the appendixes. Listings of permanent meteorological units, conversion formulas and scales are provided.