clearing skies, cool temperatures, and northerly winds 

 dominate (Continental High). With this sequence, 

 water levels and salinity generally fall. As the cold 

 front continues to move east to northeast, the Coastal 

 Return situation is initiated, and winds shift from 

 northeast to southeast. Continued movement of the 

 front away from the basin brings about a stronger 

 flow of maritime tropical air (Gulf Return), with an 

 accompanying increase in water level and salinity. 

 As another cold front approaches from the north- 

 west, Gulf Return changes to Frontal Gulf Return, 

 and the series of events is repeated. 



In contrast, summer weather is dominated by a 

 southerly flow of air. The frequent occurrence of the 

 Gulf High is the result of the displacement of a 

 Bemiuda High pressure cell south and west over the 

 Gulf of Mexico but still east of the Chenier Plain. 

 The relatively weak clockwise circulation accom- 

 panying the Gulf High causes gentle winds in the 

 Chenier Plain to come from the soutli to south- 

 west. The Gulf Return has a somewhat stronger circu- 

 lation with winds coming from the southeast. The 



Table 2.2. Mean values of parameters of synoptic weather types at Lake Charles during 

 each January from 1971 to 1974; number of observations in parenthesis. 



Parameters recorded at 0600 CST. 

 ^Where = North, 9 = East, 18 = South, 27 = West. 



Table 2.3. Synoptic weather types and percent of hours recorded at 

 Lake Charles, 1971 through 1974. 



20 



