The moist available energy of a conditionally unstable atmosphere. Part 2: Further analysis of GATE data

The generalized convective available potential energy (GCAPE) observed during GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) has been analyzed using the Lagrangian algorithm of Lorenz, as modified by Randall and Wang. The effects of ice are included and are discussed in an Appendix. A high positive correlation is found between the rate of GCAPE production by large-scale processes and the observed precipitation rate, and a negative correlation between the GCAPE itself and the precipitation rate. The observed time rate of change of the GCAPE is much smaller than the rate of GCAPE production by large-scale processes.