Abstract
This study composites the horizontal structure of mixed layer elements penetrating into the overlying inversion layer, as observed by aircraft during AMTEX '75. For the particular day examined, the westerly momentum increases significantly upward across the inversion layer. The composite analysis suggests that the penetrating mixed layer elements are accelerated horizontally by entrainment and perturbation pressure gradients associated with flow of faster free flow air around the penetrating mixed layer air. As a result of this acceleration, the downdraft occurs downstream from the updraft.
The interface between the mixed layer air and the free flow air is thicker on the downstream side of the penetrated mixed layer elements suggesting significant mixing and the possibility of a downstream turbulent wake.
