Aircraft penetrations of arc cloud lines

Results of a NOAA/NASA research field program (1982-1983) which focused on dynamic and thermodynamic characterization of arc cloud lines are discussed. The program combines research aircraft flights with rapid-scan (3-minute interval) GOES imagery and covers the subcloud layer above and below the density surge line. Strong differences in the dynamic characteristics of air are noted to exist within and above the density surge line (DSL); air motions within the DSL are much more turbulent, with stronger upward and downward motions, than in the subcloud layer above the DSL. The arc cloud lines and the associated DSL regions are concluded to pose an extreme potential hazard to aircraft and Space Shuttle operations.