A Remarkable Cloud-Wave Panorama
AT 1445 EST, 8 March 1946 the accompanying panorama of cloud waves was photographed at the Evans Signal Laboratory at Belmar, New Jersey, one of the Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories. (FIG. 1). The phenomena, first noticed at about 1400, appeared to be of maximum sharpness at 1430. At about 1500, soon after the commencement of rain, the waves seemed to fade away into a uniform cloud deck. Wave outlines on the cloud are especially marked to the ESE. To the south and southwest the turbulent pattern of the sky is apparent. A striking wave pattern visible to the WSW and W transforms into parallel bands to the W and NW. To the N and NE a uniform altostratus deck exists. The synoptic weather map (FIG. 2) for 1330 EST, as analyzed by the IT, S. Weather Bureau, indicates a strongly developed cyclone centered in Illinois with frontal waves along the east-Avest wave-front extending from Norfolk, Ya. to Knoxville, Tenn. Active precipitation at the time Avas occurring from Philadelphia southwestward to about Richmond. Subsequently the advance of the warm front northward caused continuous rain over New Jersey throughout the afternoon and early evening. A radiosonde flight at Belmar, N. J. at 1546 EST revealed an approximately moist adiabatic lapse rate above the first kilometer. At 1454 EST the photograph of the radar * scope (FIG. 3) indicated continuous rain from 10 to 15 miles north of the station southward to distances of 35 to 50 miles. Rain probably existed at greater distances to the south but was not detectable by the radar. Scattered showers are apparent to the NW and NNE. FIG. 4 is a photograph of the PPI at 1455 with the antenna tilted upward to an angle of 34 degrees. Continuous precipitation is apparent to a mean range of about