why do a lot of waves dissipate when they move off africa

[year_2005]

some seem really strong and have a lot o thunderstorm activity but then when they move off africa , often times the thunderstorm activity rapidly dies off. and also why do a lot of waves seem to move below the 10 latitude line when they cross into the atlantic , is it the bermuda high?

[Aslkahuna]

The usual villain in the dissipation of convection in waves moving off the coast of Africa is dry air from the Sahara which is ubiquitous in the eastern Atlantic. Shear also plays a part in this. As waves weaken they will respond to lower level steering which is more from the NE in that part of the Atlantic hence the tendency to dip southward.

Steve

[ConvergenceZone]

Come September some of them should start developing. In the meantime, too much sal, shear and dry air to deal with....

[gilbert88]

In about two weeks there'll be a monster (hopefully fish) CV storm roaring through the Atlantic. Be patient and you might still be here to read the excited posts.

[Ptarmigan]

Wind shear and dry air.

[Doc Seminole]

Because God is merciful.

[RL3AO]

Wouldn't it have something to do with there being more instability over the hotter land then the (relativity) cooler water? Last time I check North Africa isn't exactly a rain forest.

[HURAKAN]

Because God is merciful.

Lets keep religion out of this because if we take that path, then it's difficult to explain hurricanes like Katrina, Mitch, and many others around the world that have killed thousands of people.

[Portastorm]

Agreed. Let's keep religion out of our weather discussions for the sake and good will of everyone.

[HURAKAN]

Agreed. Let's keep religion out of our weather discussions for the sake and good will of everyone.

That's also why we don't discuss politics!!!