SOARING WEATHER AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Authors

  • Edward (Ward) Hindman The City College of the City University of New York

Keywords:

Meteorology, Climatology, Atmospheric physics

Abstract

City College and Tribhuvan University scientists studying air pollution transport in the Himalaya encountered unusual soaring weather. A frequent, stationary line of cumulus clouds formed during the afternoons in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. The subcloud updrafts vacuumed the valley of the ovemight accumulation of air pollutants. In Tibet, dust devils formed at 4300 m MSL Old Tingri which is 70 km north of 8848 m MSL Mt. Everest. Meteorological measurements confirmed observations of cumulus forming with bases of 8000 m MSL between Old Tingri and Everest. Further, lenticular clouds with associated rotor clouds were observed over the Rongbuk valley indicating mountain wave activity on the north side of Everest. These observations suggest awesome soaring possibilities for gliders launched from Old Tingri over the nearby Himalayas once the significant diplomatic and logistical obstacles are overcome.

Author Biography

Edward (Ward) Hindman, The City College of the City University of New York

http://www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/~hindman/sumvitae.pdf

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Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (1999)

Section

Articles

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