Convective circulations induced by surface heterogeneities

A simple theory for convective circulations induced by surface heterogeneit ies is proposed. The theory is based on the thermodynamics of heat engines and provides a simple physical explanation for the general characteristics of circulations forced by surface inhomogeneities in sloping terrains. In p articular, the theory is applied to a mesoscale circulation induced by defo restation. It predicts that the intensity of the mesoscale convective circu lation forced by deforestation depends on the difference of the near-surfac e nonadiabatic temperature and humidity between the forest and cleared regi ons and on the depth of the convective boundary layer. The theory was succe ssfully tested against observations made during a field experiment in the A mazon forest and a nearby clearing.