Learn about convergence with Canary Islands as a backdrop.
What is Convergence of Air Masses?
When two air masses coming from opposite directions meet, convergence takes place. Since this phenomenon produces a local increase in atmospheric pressure, which must be re-established at once, the only way for the excess wind is to go upwards. So there is general ascent at the meeting point of both air masses.
Effects of Wind Shear and Confluence
This effect is produced when the opposite air masses bear a significantly opposite component. Otherwise, if they meet a very open angle, a wind shear or “cut wind” will be originated; but if they meet a very closed angle, confluence will be originated, like two joining rivers. In all these cases, the rising movement will be weak or even absent.
Impact of Convergence on Air Movement
Though convergence may be due to different causes, all of them result in significant ascent of the air masses. When convergence takes place, thermal and dynamic rise is also reinforced.
Fuerteventura is a favorable island for such an interesting phenomenon for free flight. Thanks to its elongated, narrow shape, its shores on the East and West sides that are longer than in the North and South, its mountain “backbone” that runs along the North and South of the island, during the morning, following the solar shift, an East-component breeze line goes into the island and vice versa: in the afternoon, a West component is present. When these air breezes meet, convergence will occur.
If there is light to gentle wind, especially East and West component airflow, convergence will occur during the central hours of the day. On blue days, the area of higher activity will be marked by a well-defined line of cumulus. On cloudier days, cumulus clouds will tend to develop more than the others and will show a darker base. If the day is completely cloudy, the phenomenon will be very weak or non-existent, since local breezes are generated by the sun.
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