THE EFFECT OF NEGLECTING THE VIRTUAL TEMPERATURE CORRECTION ON CAPE CALCULATIONS

A simple theoretical analysis of the impact of neglecting the virtual correction on calculation of CAFE is made. This theory suggests that w hile ignoring the virtual correction does not introduce much error for large CAFE values, the relative error can become substantial for smal l CAFE. A test of the theory is done by finding the error made by igno ring the virtual correction to CAFE for all the soundings in 1992 havi ng positive CAFE (when the correction is made). Results of this empiri cal test confirm that the relative error made in ignoring the correcti on increases with decreasing CAFE. A number of other ''corrections'' t o CAFE might be considered. In a discussion of the issues associated w ith the results of the analysis, it is recommended that CAFE calculati ons should include the virtual correction but that other complications should be avoided for most purposes, especially when making compariso ns of CAFE values. A standardized CAFE calculation also is recommended .