Easterly Waves

Tropical weather is often initiated by easterly waves-->

easterly waves:

• have wavelengths of about 2500 km
• position is found in a trough of streamline pattern
• convergence/upward motion on east side
• divergence/downward motion on west side
• travel from east to west at 10-20 knots
• hurricanes are often initiated by easterly waves.... here is the visual evidence
• Now, let's look at the anatomy of a hurricane.....