The mean shear vector is the vector difference between two points.
In meteorology and atmospheric science, shear refers to the change in the wind vector (both speed and direction) over a given distance, typically with height. The overall wind shear profile across multiple layers can be visualized using a hodograph.
While the shear vector itself represents the difference in wind between any two heights, the term "mean shear vector" is often used to describe the average shear over a specific layer or, as defined in the reference, specifically the difference between the wind vectors at the beginning and end points of that layer.
Here's a simple breakdown based on the definition:
- Shear Vector: The difference in the wind vector between two different heights.
- Mean Shear Vector: The vector difference between two specific points (representing the wind vectors at the lower and upper bounds of the layer being considered).
Understanding the mean shear vector for a particular layer is crucial for analyzing atmospheric conditions, such as potential for severe weather development, as it summarizes the overall change in wind velocity across that layer.
