w. UC-NRLF IIIIIIIIIIIJ UJ Prepared by Department of Meteorology and Aeronautics Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and published in " The Ace" of Jan., JH.'d Photographing Clouds From An Airplane UNITED STATES AEMY AIE SERVICE JN 4-H.S. No. 41913 July 17, 1919, 1:14 p. m. Camera faced SE ThiK plane was used in the makinfi of the cloud photographs Pilot: Lt. H. E. Queen, A. S. (A) Passenger: Meterologist Ford A. Carpenter Photographing Clouds From An Airplane By FORD A. CARPENTER* B Photographs by the Author (Copyright 1919 by the Author and The Ace Publishing Co.) KING out of kodak films the writer o'clock, motored to March field, took a dropped down from a ten thou- JN-4 and having used up the last of my sand foot altitude, requisitioned kodak films dropped down here to get pose of photographing the higher variety of summer clouds and studying them at close range. Incidentally it was to Coronado. Sauntering into the cool spacious lobby of the Hotel del Cor nado he asked the clerk the way cloud photographing trip." The flannel- clad individual flipped the ash from his The cle er Weath d greeted h photograph departmen recognized him as the Man at San Diego heartily. "Won't you st ner with us?" "No," I ised Frank Miller, Mas Riverside, when I lunched there this ternoon, to dine with him on my retu this evening." As I turned to buy t panion and ejaculated: "Here's where my ten thousand dollar Rolls-Royce goes into the discard." eplied, "I pro of the Inn the early superceding of the automobile by the airplane by people who want to fortably. All air-lanes are direct and smooth although in rare cases perhaps kodak films one of the flannel-clad bored- a trifle billowy. While the aviator should 'looking individuals who had heard the be competent to "stunt" in an emerg- conversation, detained me with "Beg ency it should be no more the rule to your pardon, but did I hear correctly? practise acrobatics in the air than for That you had lunched this afternoon at the ordinary touring car to emulate a o'clock tonight?" "Sure," I replied, "I The three hundred mile cross-country left the Mission Inn shortly after one flight of last July was made for the pur- air levels, continuing this work begun in June. Most of my investigation into air levels of southern California has been during a dozen or more flights during all hours of the day and night. Recognizing the importance of aerial mapping and cloud studies from aloft, the Director of Air Service kindly placed a two-seater and an experienced pilot, Lieut. H. E. Queen at my disposal for the afternoon, with apologies to Rus- kin he proved to be the "Queen of the Air." I decided to make the triangular course from Riverside to San Diego and along the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles and thence to the place of start- ing. The accompanying photographs with their notes were all made by the writer while in the air. Following out a custom inaugurated early in 1911, ind Aeronautics Chamber of Comr in charge of the work. EDITOR. the Los Angel e.5 take up his new when air work was first begun by him, a five-minute log was kept. The im- portance of making one's notes and sketches at regular intervals at the time believe that most of the errors of ob- servation are those which creep into notes made afterwards, and doubtless, are unintentionally colored by the im- agination. Geography of the Trip The sketcli map on this page will give cross country flight taken on July 17th. 1919. Probably there is no region in the world, at least in the United States, where weather conditions are so nearly as in southern California. were duplicate instruments. In the rear were lockers which were easily acces- sible holding spare films and the baro- graphs so that from the very first it was easy to make frequent photographs and five minute notes and sketches through- Original Notes Carrying out the plan which has long ^ince become a habit in making air lotes. memorandum notations were naJe at five-minute intervals, through- rection of course and data as to clouds, air were noted. nder "remarks" conditions, etc., Note Book Entri Xote book of airplane flight of July , 1919, shows the following summary: journey was requested of tlie Director of Air Service. It will be note.l that tlie route is triangular in shape and the course is from March Field nearly south to Rockwell Field, and from Rockwell Field skirting tlie coast northwesterly to DeMille Field, and from DeMille Field easterly to the point of depart- ure. Physiography of the Cross-Country Flight The various physical characteristics of this portion of southern California are practically all covered in this tri- Xo. 1 I.v March Field 1:15 Ar Rockwell F'ld 2:21 Xo. 2 Lv Rockwell F'ld 3:39 Ar DeMille Field 5:27 No. 3 I.v Rockwell F'ld 6:02 Ar March Field 6:57 76 90 108 130 Flight No. 1 Date. July 17. 1919. Airplane Xo. 41913. Started from March Fiel SKETCH MAP OF TRIP mil- uf fli/ihl in iinlictil,;! hi/ lln- illrx. II ifill III' Illltl'll Hint the a region fall and 1 rai IStlCS. The second portion skirts the beauti- ful southern California coast with its highly colored cliffs. Such is the prox- imity of a number of natural lan.ling fields that an airplane may safely nego- tiate comparatively long stretclies of coast with the sea directly beneath him. The third phase of the journey, from DeMille Field on the western outskirts of Los Angeles to Riverside, is a dis- trict which is agriculturally probably the most valuable in the United States. Over tliis district the perfume of orange and lemon blossoms is carried upward thousands of feet. Take Off at March Field After being introduced to my pilot, Lieut. H. K. Queen, we walked over and selecte.l a machine which had the neces- sary facilities for making notes and tak- ing pictures. This machine proved to be a JN4-Hispano-Suiza motor with over- head gasoline supply and in all one of the best for this purpose of the hundred or so on March Field. Ideal Arrangement of Rear Cockpit The rear cockpit had a comfortable seat, with a narrow bench above which Duration of flight. 1 hour. 16 minutes Distance. 90 miles. Maximum altitude. 10.000 feet at 2:25 p. in. Pilot. Second Lieut. H. K. Queen, A. S. (A.) at Marcl Passenger: Dr. Ford A. Carpenter, Meteorologist. nsurpaaaed Record of Voyage Time in use in summer time. 1 hour faster than Standard Normal 12()t Altitudes are above sea level. Time. Altitude Ft. Dir. Notes 1:15 p.m. 1.500 S. At second minute after .start altitude 2.800. 1:20 p.m. 3.IXK) S.S.I'-. Air somewhat bumpy. 1 -25 i) in 3600 S S F Ship alternately lifting and settling, like g 1 :40 p 1 :45 p 1 :50 p 2:20 p. i 2:25 p.; 2:30p.i 4,500 5.200 5,900 6. 1 50 6.550 6.870 7.100 7,800 7.950 8.910 10,000 700 S. S. F. ngtl Clouds now reach to xenith, course veered t swaying slightly. Above cumulus clouds; on level with cir Sprinkles of rain. Course apparently bringing sliip into a rain Passing over cumulo-nimbus masses, having istics of cirro-cumulus. First view of San Diego b-iy; ocean is seen tc covered. Heavy clouds observed over sea. Clouds now seen to be skirting coast-line. Ship ratus. 2:31 p.r Landed Rockwell Field. Reported to commanding tion officer furnished car and driver for Meteor- ologist Carpenter to secure photographic supplies from Coronado. Flight No. 2 Date, July 17, 1919. Airplane No. 41913. Started. from Rockwell Field 3:39 p. m. Landed De Mille Field, Los Angeles, 5:27 p. m. Duration of flight, 1 hour, 48 minutes. Distance, 130 miles. Maximum altitude, 6650 feet at 5:11 p. m. General direction of travel. Northwest. Personnel, equipment and load, same as Flight No. Time. Altitude Ft. Dir. Not 3:39 p.m. Diego. 3:45 p.m. 2,250 N. W. Above velo clouds. 3:50 p.m. 3,100 N. Over Pacific Beach. 3:55 p.m. 4.100 N. Over La Jolla. 4:00 p.m. 4,200 N. Over open sea. 4:05 p.m. 4,050 N. W. Over sea off Encinitas. 4:10 p.m. 4,050 N: W. Off Oceanside. 4:15 p.m. 4,050 N. W. Passed Oceanside. 4:20 p.m. 4,050 N. W. Last of fog; Ci-Cu clouds in north. 4:25 p.m. 4,075 N. W. Santa Ana Mountains to east. 4:30 p.m. 3,975 N. W. Off San Onofre. 4:35 p.m. 4,050 N. W. Ship somewhat unsteady. 4:40 p.m. 4,300 N. W. Nearirfg Laguna Beach. 4:45 p.m. 4,900 N". W. Nearing Newport. 4:50 p.m. 5,050 N. W. Off Seal Beach. 4:55 p.m. 5,400 N. W. Ship headed landward. 5 :00 p.m. 5:05 p.m. 6,100 6.150 N. W. Over Long Beach; Signal Hill. Bunch of clouds over Santa Monica bay. 5:10 p.m. 6,500 N. W. Nigger Slough off port bow. Cumulo-nim. clouds on crest of north mountains. 5:15 p.m. 5,300 N. W. Nearing Los Angeles. Haze limit at 4,000 feet ele- vation. 5:20 p.m. 4,600 N. Over Exposition Park. 5:27 p.m. 200 Landed De Mille Field. Secured oil and gasoline. Flight No. 3 Date July 17, 1919. Airplane No. 41913. Started from De Mille Field 6:02 p. m. Landed March Field 6:57 p. m. Duration of flight, 55 minutes. Distance, 60 miles. Maximum altitude, 4,030 feet, at 6:55 p. m. Time. Altitude Ft. Dir. 6:02 p.m. 6:05 p.m. 6:10p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:35 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 6:50 p.m. 6:55 p.m. 6:57 p.m. 200 1,300 2,200 3,000 3.500 3,200 3.100 3,100 3,000 3,000 3,900 4,030 1,500 S. .E E. N.E. N. E. N.E. N. E. E. E. E. E. E. off port bow. s Angeles rive grov nd load, same as Flight No. 1. Notes Left De Mille Field. Over Los Angeles, business dis Over Los Angeles, passed over Los Over Newmark. Whittier to starboard. Over orange Over San Gabriel debris cone. Over orange groves. Over San Jose hill; bump near hill; over orange groves. Haze lowering to 1,000 feet. Over orange groves. Going through deep gorge, crests less than 800 feet below ship. Over Riverside. Over orange groves. Entering Allesandro. Engine off. Landed. 7SOO ft. 2:0o p. m. July 17, 191!) faced downwards DIJiKCTLY 01'KH CfJlltO-CUMVLUS CLOUDS Kler. Ca The first variety of cirro-cumulus clouds was encountered at 7800 feet; within 15 minutes the sln/i passed over better example, a trifle over a thousand feet higher. The more elevated clouds were of a detached na- ture and had a lower temperature. Owing to the Ixickaround of earth, these clouds showed up to better advantage than against the sJ-w. The CLOUD NOTES Cumulo-Nimbus formations were observed over 9 a. m., July 17. The best example of Cu.-Nim. was observed to the S. W. nearly in the path of the first flight. At 1:40 p. m., elevation 5,900 feet, the ship headed into a well marked example of Cu.-Nim. Five minutes later and 250 et highe Ci.-Cu. At 1:50 should comprise as much as study changes in weather conditions. The half of clouds, by their character, indicate the observer's position and proximity with reference to the low pressure area. Clouds and Storm Centers A moment's reflection shows that the true direction, as well as the force ol the drift of the earth's atmosphere, as depicted by the clouds, is conclusive as a weather indication only in that it de- termines the relative position and inten- sity of the storm center. ""Weather" Is Under 20,000 Feet The layer of cloud covering the earth is relatively very thin. If, for example, we could examine the earth from the cloud covering little more than\ half the surface. At that distance the clouds would have no texture, the earth would appear swathed in an irregular sheet of formless vapor, through which, from time to time, the land and water areas could be seen. The cloud-cover of the earth is most attenuated; it may be compared to a film, for it is supposed to be less than 6.550 feet e reach the xei Weather Belt Is Very Thin Clouds Are Best Weather Indicators The si: 2:20 p. The sky was covered tli'n>e out at sea 10 or 12 miles. Velo These clouds were first encountere.l in the vicinity of San Diego bay. The velo cloud is distinctly associated with San Diego; no other locality can lay claim to it in such perfection as it exists within that district. This cloud persisted until about 4:35 p. m. at 4.050 elevation, or off San Juan Capistrano. Cloud Study From the Ground 1 have recounted some of the aspects of cloud classification, cloud composition, and cloud formation. As bearing directly on the matter in hand this monograph of California clouds will be freely drawn upon. Observations of Coluds to the weather in the different air levels, and too much emphasis cannot be laid upon the importance of a thorough knowledge of cloud structure, cloud JXtriil.K Hfl'TK, I'KKHIX VA1.LKY (Kl.KI'. 3fi le to the left. The San Bernardino this portion of the voya(/<- Ilif xhiii in in'(/oti(itinff a long swell. veatl ed withi forecasting with the least pre- weather is her observations than the char- Four Classes of Clouds * Clouds of California by Ford A. Car- acter and movement of clouds. And Cirrus: penter. Ft. Leavenworth Army Press, now, at the present stage of the knowl- Cirro-stratus. 1914. edge of meterology, they still give the Cirro-cumu CKESTS OF CISSO-CUMULUS CLOUDS Elev. 6550 ft. 1:50 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced SE Rcloic, there appeared masses of cumulo- nimbus clouds which reached their maximum density in the east; above there were higher cirro-cumulus clouds through which fringe the ship passed. In a few minutes the ship passed from one clump of cirro-cumulus cloud to another, much as a ha irk might, fin from one hay- stack to another; hut with tin: inference in that the cloud formation was .frequently traversed. Cumulus: Alto-cumulus. Fracto-cumulus. Stratus: Alto-stratus. Strato-cumulus. Fracto-stratus. . Nimbus: Cumulo-nimbus. Fracto-nimbus. To the above general classification there may be added a local cloud, el velo, sometimes known as "high fog." El velo is the common cloud of early morning and late evening. Of this, however, more win be said later. Clouds in the Making It is not often given one to select a evidence. First I thought that there would be insufficient clouds on the day selected, and later, from the threatening the mountains and in the high levels, it seemed as if there might be too many, varieties of the sterner sort. Fortune again favored me and we had on this be the fog, the cloud-mass shows by its great convectional clouds. Generally presence that precipitation is taking speaking they are thick and dense and place. Their height defines their rela- their tops are smaller than their bases, tive density. As they are caused by ascending cur- Here are the general classifications: rents, their life is dependent upon the when the air ceases to rise, the cloud disappears. During the ascent of the ounding balloons at Avalon, Catalina sland, in the summer of 1913, especial are had to be taken not to let loose the lloons during the proximity of cumu- 5 clouds, as they were the danger sig- its. Stratus, the Low Cloud CUMUl.O-XIMlU'fl ("THUNDER HEADS") CLOUDS Elev. 7JOO ft. 2:00 p. m. July 17. 1919 Camera faced SE This close view of thunder-clouds was ob- tained during intervals of rain. The upper portion of the clouds were rounded and bil- lowy. This formation appeared to boil and seethe, the temperature became lower by 10 degrees and nearby cumulo-nimbus clouds rose lilce mountains of cloud or fog. Cirrus, the Highest Cloud This is of delicate fiber, feathery in the low kinds were not too low, and the higher kinds were not too high. Per- haps it might be as well to examine, briefly, into the composition of clouds, and, later, in the mechanics of cloud for- mation. Composition of Clouds Clouds occur whenever the tempera- ture is lower than the saturation-point of the air, so that no matter how light or fleecy they may be, or how dense may the most elevated of all clouds, having sometimes extending into the lower limit of the so-called isothermal region of the atmosphere. This cloud is doubtless composed of spiculae of ice. A popular name for this cloud is "mare's tails," and it is the wind cloud of the sailors. Cumulus, the Day Cloud The typical summer clouds that thrust their heads up into the air they are the ness, independent of height, characteriz- es this cloud. When it is of low altitude it sometimes becomes the velo cloud. The stratus cloud is of considerable value as an insulator of the sun's rays, and, on the other hand, almost entirely checks the loss of heat by radiation from the earth at night. May and June would California were it not for the then pre- vailing cloud. In winter, citrus grow- ers know that there will be no frost if stratus clouds are present, for they serve CIRKO-STKATUS CLOUDS Elev. 7950 ft. 2:10 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced E Excellent examples of cirro-stratus clouds were observed and this photograph shows a distant and a close-up view of these clouds. Although the texture of these clouds ap- peared to be identical, a solar halo was ob- served, in. sections, among the distant cloiids but was not noticed in the nearby examples. modification of these variet following modifications: Cirro-Stratus I. .IKK IIOIHiKX (>\ TIIK ,s'. I. V DIEGUITt /.///:/; (Ki.Kr. TH.-.H AT.) J: I- />. >. .//v 17, lit 111 Nimbus, the Rain Cloud The rain .-loud: technically it is any cloud mass from which precipitation is falling. It always forms under a higher variety of cl.md. Modification of Cloud Forms These four are the general classifica- tion of clouds all over the world -\ ves the solar and lunar halos of 22 and 45 radii. Cirro-Cumulus Cirro-cumulus forms in semi-trans- ;,niished by the fact that in it arc formed that forms suddenly and marks the tran- the halos. The diffraction of light by sitory stage between a higher and a this cloud produces rings around the lower variety, or vice versa. This cloud sun and moon, technically known as the was very much in evidence within a C.IMP KK.IKNY O.V LI\DA I'/.ST.I MK, Elevation 9500 /(. _':!' I ;<. in. Ciniiri-ii fni'nl , tin- photograph. Kn rliirli liixrrtK ray i* north KAN DIEGO EXPOSITION BUILDIVC.S Elev. 8000 ft. 2:22 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced downwards Crossing the San Diego River the path of the ship led over the San Diego Park in which are located the buildings of the San Diego Exposition of 1915, now uaed by the United States Marines. quarter of an hour after leaving March Field. It was like sailing from one aerial haystack to another, so well-de- fined were these round cloudy masses. When this cloud is accompanied by rain indication that we have in Southern California. Alto-Cumulus Alto-cumulus is composed of small masses of cumulus cloud in parallel Fracto-Cumulus Fracto-cumulus. This term is applied to a cumulus cloud when its edges are What Makes the Clouds? torn or shredded by the wind. Before , eaving thig subject , et ug gx _ Alto-Stratus amine jnto the causes which underlie the Alto-stratus is a high stratus cloud, fid nearly always thickening into the or- dinary low type and becomes a some- Formation of Clouds what threatening cloud. This formation causes the solar and lunar coronae. Minute nuclei make possible cloud Strato-Cumulus formation. Laboratory experiments dem- in winter, and if present in quantities not occur unless there is some object are a threatening indication. During the on which the condensation can take spring and summer, they generally dis- place, whether it be a material surface, Fracto-Stratus Nuclei are necessary for the forma- This is the lowest cloud form, and tion of a water drop. It is a most im- is therefore only a slight remove from portant fact that a water-drop can not fog tattered by the surface wind. be formed in the free air unless there Cumulo-Nimbus first be a nucleus on which the moisture and the most impressive of all cloud dust particles or ions. Experiments so that dust par re by far the Fracto-Nimbus Among the higher levels, it sometimes the absence of dust nuclei, for we have occurs as a trail of cloud dark with no instance in nature where the air is so moisture stringing after the larger cloud, pure near the earth that vapor could sometimes dissipating before the lower not form. A beam of light, whether it edges of the veil reach the earth. be from the sun or an artificial source, Altering Composition of a Cloud Mass shows innumerable dust motes in its The study of the composition of the projection through the air. In fact, we clouds is quite important if we wish to know that light itself is made visible tion of a cloud-mass, whether a higher the diffusion of light. As ionized air cloud is changing to a lower variety, or permits condensation though dust may ipating both processes ha direct densation at the higher levels of th OVER SAN DIEGO BAY (ELEV. 3000 FT.) 2:16 p. m. July 17. 1919 Camera faced SE This photograph was made while the ship was passing over Coronado ferry. The Coronado terminal of the ferry may be seen on the right margin of the picture as also the boathousc of the San Diego Yacht Club. The ferry may be noticed just approaching the San Diego slip. To the right of the ferry slip are the American Hawaiian Company's docks and across from these are the old wharves of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company inn! miilii-ai/ to the shore are the clubhouses of the San Diego Rowing Club. The smoke is from the sawmills in the lower part of town. LAXDi\r, TUJtoran TKLO Klrr. 1500 ft. 2:28 p. m. Jul LOUDS BOCK WELL FIELD IT, 1919 Camera faced SK limit i,f uliiiitt In- ire Unit distance. The Size of a Drop of Water The si/e of water drops has been cords from the instruments which soared twenty miles and over, showed that the steady decrease in moisture is uniform, becoming practically nil at the upper limits. It was also found that the velo cloud of this coast extends upwards on an the trade-wind is about two and one- half miles thick; and that the particles composing the highest cirrus clouds are widely separated and are continually forming and re-forming, generally at an elevation exceeding five miles. In Nature's Laboratory been made either on the ground or seat- formula. No subject is of more absorb- cloudland ballo Here are some of the clouds which warm and dry; if ascending they are we studied and photographed: Becoming cool and moisture-laden. Cumulo-Nimbus, the Lions of the Sky Kxper by forest or other fires. Spectators of journey were the cumulo-nimbus. In [he great San Francisco fire described the air it is sometimes difficult to deter- inches per second. This unusually slow rate led the earlier investigators to be- lieve that droplets were hollow spheres, hence the ve.-icular theory of rain fnrma- glohes. Ascending air currents readily partieles. often forcing them upward a great distance. In the case of thunder- storms, the cnnvectional force is ter- What Causes Condensation? Condensation necessary for the forma- tion of clouds may be caused by either convection or contact. Convectional clouds arc produced not because the air mass rises into a colder region, but lie- cause the mass itself has been dynamic- ally cooled. Cumulus clouds, rain clouds, and rain itself, are due to dy- namic cooling. How "Lows" Cause Cloudiness from the great whirling eddies of the atmosphere, which are the "lows" of the weather map. Local reduction in atmospheric pressure will also cause as- cending currents. Down Currents Give Fair Weather, Up Currents Rain Whether or not the currents are as- cending or descending may be readily observed by the tips or tufts of the cloud formation. If these feather edges point NORTH ISLAND AT 1500 FEET :t:40 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced K The tiuildiniiK in the foreground are those of the Army Air Service comprising Rockwell Field, located on North Island. The residence of the Commanding Officer may be seen just under the tip of wing. Across the narrow strip of water (Spanish Right) is Coroniido and the Ifotel del Coronado may be seen in the distance with Coronado Tent City just beyond on both the ocean front and the Bay of San Diego. a towering cumulus cloud which over- hung the burning city. When a fierce forest fire occurs on a calm day a small cumulus cloud capping the smoke column is not an unusual sight. Measurements Up to 108,000 Feet Alti- tude In the summer of 1913 cloud investi- gations were carried on by the aid of free balloons. For example, the balloon soundings at Avalon in July and August descending and therefore becomin L-rniost secrets of the clouds. The re- mine whether a towering thunderhead is a cloud or a mist-covered mountain. At first sight it was somewhat terri- fying, for the plane was apparently headed for destruction. But like Bun- yan's lions their appearance only was terrifying. Anticipation Far Exceeded Realization It was observed especially whether the eddying wind movement in the vi- cinity of these clouds affected the be- havior of the ship. It did not. Perhaps it was owing to the skill of the navi- gator take a good sailor nough to obscure the light, and t of the journey was like travel- or rolling. LEAVING ROCKWELL FIELD (ELEV. 2250 FEET) 3:45 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced E This photoi/i-fiph xhon-s Coronado from Rocku-ell Field. To the north may be seen San Diego bay, with the San T>iego-Coronado Ferry slip. In the immediate foreground is Spanish Bight which is now bridged by a causeway. The racetrack and golf links of the Country Club skirt the Bight. Glorietta Bay is all but hidden by a cloud as is also Hotel del Coronado. Beyond the limits of Coronado may be seen the upper reaches of San Diego Bay. The ship's course at the time this photograph was made was due south. Cirro-Cumulus the Sheep of the Sky Recognizing An Old Friend If the thunderheads are the lions of The m ; nutes spe d by so rapidly that the sky, then the cirro-cumulus are the before j realized it the long low-lying ilus my notes say: cirro-cumulus cloud-flecked air a from above.' As these cirro-cumulus clouds 1 more closely packed it was like We passed through several; som ecame sailing lother. the coast resolved itself into our old familiar friend the Velo cloud. The Velo Cloud This cloud is peculiarly a product of the Pacific coast; of all the delightful memories sticks cloi of San Diego the one that est is that of this early morn- SAN DIEGO BAT FROM ABOVE POINT LOMA Eler. 3000 ft. 3:50 p. m, July 17, 1919 Camera faced SE The ship's course paralleled Point Loma. 7i the foreground are the roads of the Thcosophical Headquarters, in the middle foreground is Dutch Flats and cutting the left portion of the picture (near right wing of airplane) is the Santa Fe tracks entering Old Town. The extreme right is the Coronado shore. The greater portion i>f the city of Ran Diego is shrouded in cloud and fog. ing and late evening cloud. The writer described this cloud in a small volume on local climatology* from which the following has been condensed: "El Velo De La I.uz" The challenge, "We all know the win- ters are warm in San Diego, therefore the summers must be hot," constitutes the most common misunderstanding of San Diego's cool summers. The fact that there is less than one hour per year above 90 degrees is not easy to explain, until we remember the old Mex- ican phrase, El velo de la luz, "The veil that hides the light." This is a folk- lore expression, originating not only before the Gringo came, but, doubtless, long before the coming of the old Span- ish conquistadors. The better-known English term, "high fog," has, in com- a double meaning, and it is misleading POINT LOMA WITH BALLAST POINT IN FOREGROUND (ELEV. 2250 FT.) 3:47 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced SH' The Lighthouse reservation on Ballast Point may be seen in the foreground, and partially enshroudi-d in fog and jutting out into it is the headland of Point Loma. It is not fog in the generally accepted meaning, for this "light veil" is neither cold nor excessively moisture-laden. Neither is it high, for its altitude is less than a thousand feet. * Climate and Weather of San Diego, by Ford A. Carpenter, Mount Pleasant Press, 1913. er observations began shows a mean of about 78 degrees. Formation of the Velo The cause of the formation of the. velo cloud and, consequently, the cool summers of San Diego, is, strange to say, found in the hot weather in the interior of California and Arizona. It is a unique example of the aptness of nobody good." The hot weather in the interior pro- duces an aerial eddy (the "low" of the weather map), and the difference in at- mospheric pressure between the inter- ior and the ocean results in giving San Diego cool, uniform days and nights, free from extremes, or what is really the summer temperature of the Pacific ocean. The velo cloud should there- Tli, ,;,r> /i. m. ,//// 17, llllil Ctnnerii fueeil K tllir lienil i.v In the rif/lil. the ('tires In llu lift hetirun /hem ix the fit mtiile throniili tittenutited rein elands unumutUy nuii/h ; the heiiri/ xiretl nut thip't staj/. eoreretl the neetin it/lit, near the xlui te disconcerting decided that the lake had be since the map was printed. This is another example r XEAB OCEAXSWE (ELE]'. 4050 FEET) 4:10 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced E The ship ten* skirting the coast and skimming along over thin velo clouds. The city of may be observed in about Die center of the middle foreground. Note the long ,1-liiirf irliifh extends out into the surf-fringed ocean. The hotel and railroad station may be observed near the intersection of the road from the wharf and the state highway. showing very clearly the necessity fc accurate maps, but filling that war A Naval Encampment Utilizing the distinctly artistic San if there is one thing that has caused more damage to aircraft and death to aviators it has been defective maps. Aerial Mapmaking a Profession Aerial mapping by photography is one of the good things that has come from the war. It is a profession all in itself and the work that has been ac- complished in these lines marks a won- derful advance both in photography and in the manufacture of charts. The mapping of the San Diego Bay region by the 51st Aero Squadron early This particular map was produced by making a mosaic of not less than forty five hundred photographs. These infinite number of photographs were reduced and copied so as to present an appearance to the beholder as if the ground were viewed at an eleva- tion of 25.000 feet. A Military Encampment Less than ten minutes after we passed over Lake Hodges we reached Camp no uncertain way when it placed its magnificent park at the disposal of the naval authorities. We glided over this district on the same level that we passed compassed in the scope of the six inch focus lens of the camera. Coloring From the Air I never cease to marvel, when in either an airplane or in a balloon, at the marvelous colors which spread out beneath one. This was especially true in negotiating the air over the beauti- ful grounds of the thousand-acre park, not long since the scene of the Panama- Pacific Exposition. Owing to the ver- tical vision there is advantage about airplane and balloon observation total- ly lacking in any other view. to an exquisite Persian rug spread out beneath them. Be that as it may every field, every kind of crop, the vary- ing geological formations all stand out with startling clearness. Viewed from above, low trees, brush and other chap- This marvelous mesa extending -just downiness. I have often thought that a beyond the San Diego river over a dis- good colorist could make his fortune if trict ideal for camp and manoeuvers he would paint from a balloon basket or has lain practically idle for all of these the cockpit of an airplane. years. Thanks to the generosity of the As in all art there is no gain without citizens of San Diego this magnificent some loss. Although the colors stand district, pe drainage and climatic conditions, formed the mountains and the beauty of the probably one of the finest locations for canyons and the running streams is lost. a military camp. In my opinion there is still but one A very comprehensive view of Camp way to enjoy nature and that is on foot Kearny was secured at the elevation or on horseback. The airplane is no im- of 8,000 feet which was the level over provement over the automobile for the which we passed the camp. enjoyment of scenery. Los Angeles Landing Fields As the ship swung to the northeast shortly after passing over Long Beach, we entered what might well be termed the zone of maximum activity in ap- plied aeronautics; that is, the region embraced by the corporate limits of Los Angeles and its vicinity. There are some thirteen landing fields in and about Los Angeles; a few are laid out and marked in accordance with regulations, others are merely con- in cases of emergencies. Agriculture vs. Aeronautics ing landing fields is the utilization of al uses. For example, as we flew over the recently acquired property of the Goodyear Company at Ascot Park our glasses showed all of the proposed aero field to be set out in cabbages! Level stretches of property within ready access of transportation lines and out paying from $500 to $2,000 per acre. field is now necessary to safely land a large airplane, it is then realized that LOOKING UP LAGVNA CANYON Elev. 4300 Ft. 4:40 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced NE The village of Laguna is above the series of cliffs which are considerably over 100 feet above the sea. Laguna canyon reaches far back into the mountains towards the San Joaquin ranch. The mountain in the distance is Santiago Peak, 5000 feet high, or about 700 feet above the lecel of the PIP III IP mil inii ; mil ; ^ ^ .* II inn II!?!: l-s^^^ aals- ^ ~ ^: ' si illli i | 1 j | ^ j = 1 1 * * *jj;jl ij| ;j; 111:: niili* co ^l aiilli LONG BEACH AND SAN PEDRO BAY (ELEV. 6000 FT.) 5:00 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced NW The city of Long Beach is in the foreground, San Pedro bay in to tin 1 left Firmin is in the distance. The Palos VerO.es hills are in the background. proportions. I 1 i. e.. the field i: is oriented properly, tionship to the prevailing winds, and it rightly located in rela- is of proper size. The Goodyear people SIGNAL HILL NEAR LONG BEACH Kiev. 6150 ft. 5:05 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced SW Signal Hill and surrounding truck gar- dens are in the center of the photograph; Long Beach is in the background. there are some serious difficulties in and lay out these fields. The Municipal Landing Field of Los Angeles Seen from the air, the "Field of the Flying Foot" as the Ascot Park will SOUTHWESTERN PORTION OF LOS ANGELES (ELEV. 1300) 6:05 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera faced NE The San Gabriel range is in the background; Wilshire boulevard is in the foregr SOUTHEASTERN LOS ANGELES AND DRAINAGE AREA OF THE LOS ANGELES RIl'ER (ELEV. 5300 FT.) 5:15 p. m. July 17, 1919 Camera fated N The right foreground shows the Los Angeles and Rio Hondo. The rectangular marks are the city streets of Los Angeles, this field, permitting the city of Los Angeles to use it as a municipal air- drome. Private aviation interests may also use it in their public work; all uses subject to regulations which the company propose to make as easy of compliance as circumstances will allow. Landing Fields Are Harbors It is hardly necessary to repeat what may be termed an aeronautic axiom that landing fields are as necessary to air- craft as harbors are to ships. The value of a landing held, like a harbor, is in proportion to its size, proximity to Skirting the Coast in an Airplane The plane emerged from the cloud and the backbone of Point Loma was beneath us. From this time on until we swung inland near Point Firmin the trip was that of a seaplane. For nearly one hundred miles the plane thundered its way on an even keel four thousand feet above the shimmering sea. When- ever the ship swung towards the shore even ever so slightly the differing paths could be readily determined by the con- the southern outskirts of the city, the northwest was the luce Field. Venice; nearly to the west the Cuh Fu.-ld: and to the north, the Syd Ch: liu and the I >c Milk- Fields. Sele leveled off and made a good landing. The Three Thousand-Foot Level A glance at the reproduction of I barograph recor.ls on this page v itrancing when Hying over the fields, . also was the sight when skimming ic meadows of the sea with its acres id acres of exquisitely colored sea- eed. This was especially in evidence is we winged our way over La Jolhi >palescent cliffs of Del Mar. The huir if the motor and the singing of the A Physiolog iperati i drov\ s k( which he kep Angeles and i Self-Examination fortablv and calmly in the kpit I took advantage of ty for a careful self-exam- the effect of flying on tin- Uniform Flying Ordinance criminate living over cities should be vigorously discouraged. It is a hopeful in southern California so that uniform flying laws may be in effect through- out the various cities and counties of this district. I he southern ( aliforma City Attorneys' association has this matter in hand and expect to offer for ratification a series of sensible ordin- concerned. 1 reviewed the pulse test which I had made at differing elev; lions: at 10,000 feet or at 2,000 ther was not the difference of half a doze beats. The bodily temperature rcmaine the same at different altitudes. In th Over Point Loma As the ship headed straigh Point Loma and Ballast Poin dimly seen beneath us throng the same field, and also in an arm/ plane. The sensations then were of extreme novelty, and it must be con- fessed, that it was with some trepida- tion that that early journey was be- gun. And, now what a difference! Then flyiriK was in its infancy; the late Major Oscar Brindley was my pilot and in 1915 we used the latest machine. No. 50. Today's plane was No. 41,913, and by !-rcn 'Mela tD 7>ocV.ell ?ild Air"l-ne #419131 Lieut.'?. ".. "Been', ' .~.C.. )rn- 'n=-files. J-a? 17.1P19 ) IL Kirch ?i*14(10 rallfto 32 o^ Riverside aookfleld Firldf 2 miles 33 of Son ^lexo C D Villa TMelif? iMl^s '7 of los Angles fTrpolngB at frep-ln-.ln? r -4 e.'i3 show trolley trip fram&to los Angeles Total mileage 286;tline.239 r-inutes im^l.Tum sleTatlan.lb.MO ft. at 2;25 ^.r. * Aviator and the Weather Bureai Ford -A- Carpenter, San Diego, 1915. PHOTOGRAPHIC The metcorolntiiHl rttrriril tiro n jihotof/raphi'd abiirr. xlunc I hi' initom note* are self -explanatory. )PY OF BAS06SAPH 11KCOKD ir ri'i/ixtiring of each miniite of the j(iurnrii. Tin sudden drop from 10,000 feet to sea- level at Rockwell Field I noticed pains familiar with. My own practice is to second barograph use a common kodak fitted with a fine feet to spare. ith five thousand although being readily subject to sea- my first journey, many years ago, I foot, horseback, automobile, railroad, balloon or airplane. In fact on all could hear myself shout in a plane. Re- moving the helmet I yelled at the top that there is no foreground in the air! Also, there is no need for focusing. It record of every moment of the journey. The Homeward Flight the motor and the hurricane blast of and the shutter and diaphragm at ap- After traversing more than half a hundred miles of air fragrant with or- be distinguished. . Wind Effect of Debouching Canyons as man would a machine-gun. One precaution is necessary in the air: the film must be rolled up with and dropped into the home field. A few minutes after landing I was on a motor- there is no appreciable effect on travel- ing past the mouth of canyons debouch- ing into the sea. In order to prove or disprove this the following observations the spool will cause static in the dry air of these elevations with consequent hair lines and blotches on the film. The film must be handled with extreme care through the hospitable arches of the Mission Inn. Here was where I had lunched only a few hours before and now the cool and quiet interior and coast from Point Loma to Point Firmin is furrowed by deep canyons emptying into the ocean. The speed of the plane was too rapid to permit a view of ap- proaching canyons, so for several min- utes at a time I closed my eyes in or- der that sight might not confuse a pre- conceived notion, only opening them when the ship lurched. Five observa- tions thus made of slight sideslips were directly traceable to the passing of can- yon mouths. Photographic Equipment Perhaps a word as to the photo- graphic equipment used in this journey through "the landscape of the sky." It has long been my feeling that it was the man behind the gun rather than the gun that brought down the game, but that goes without saying. At any rate I think that a man should take Instruments Used on the Trip Before bringing this narrative to a close it might be worth while to men- tion some of the instruments used inde- pendently of the regulation altimeter, compass, etc. I refer to the photo- graphic and meteorological apparatus. ter of the Inn added the finishing inner. And thus this air trip was ended nine- and sixty over the orange and lemon groves. Into these four hours of flying were crowded studies of air currents; photo- atus ' graphing of clouds at close range; test- ing out of some intutional theories and the intimate observation of land, sea and Two barographs were taken on this sky. So much was thus made possible journey, one recording on an open in so little time that to my mind this Barograph Record of Jou sea id fe to fifteen thousand feet. As will be seen in flying the expansion of time. In by the reproduction on this page both obeying the scriptural injunction "shall instruments gave highly comparable mount up with wings as eagles'' the air- and therefore satisfactory results. Na- man takes hold upon divinity for can he turally the needle passed off the limits not also say with scripture "One day is of the sheet on the first instrument, but with the Lord as a thousand years, and THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW Books not returned on time are subject to a fine of volume after per volume after the third day overdue, increasing $1.00 per volume after the sixth day. Books not in RECTD LD flUG 20 1962 YE 039" UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY