Basic convective element: bubble or plume? A historical review

Abstract

Abstract. During the 1950s and the 60s, when intensive investigations on atmospheric convection were launched, the two possibilities were identified for the basic element of convection: bubble and plume. The present paper reviews the investigations of this period, and suggests how the mass-flux convection parameterization formulation emerged from these early investigations. Especially the choice of the steady-plume model is a key ingredient of the mass-flux formulation. Some historical lessons are suggested.