On the dynamics of Hawaiian cloud bands. Part III: local aspects

The current work provides further evidence in support of the view that the phenomenon of Hawaiian cloud bands is closely linked to the dynamics of strongly stratified flows past three-dimensional obstacles. In particular, results are presented that document the cloud interaction with a secondary, vertically propagating gravity wave and the formation of horizontally oriented vortices in the lower upwind flow - two characteristic features encountered in studies of idealized low Froude number flows. Quantification of the effects due to nocturnal thermal forcing is attempted, and it is shown that cooling along the volcano slope doubles the depth of the dynamically induced downslope flow as well as its maximum wind speed, whereas it has a little effect upon the position of the mesoscale convergence line and coinciding leading edge of the downslope current. -from Authors