Synoptic Aspects of the Intertropical Convergence Near Central and South America

Abstract

The intertropical convergence zone near Panama is studied in light of meteorograph soundings, winds-aloft, and microanalyses of surface reports. When pronounced this phenomenon consists of a relatively narrow zone of cyclonic wind shear. This is frequently associated with a cold-core trough whose slope in the vertical is of cold-front proportions. Its cloud system is characterized primarily by widespread altostratus with convective activity usually quite variable in amount and intensity. Wavelike perturbations which sometimes appear along this line of convergence are found to be important in connection with cyclogenesis.