Results from an investigation on the physical process of Rayleigh-Bernard convection, based on the calculus of the dimensional Rayleigh (Ra) and Richardson (Ri) numbers, with the objective of finding criteria representative of the onset of convection in Cuba's tropical and insular conditions are shown. The obtained results are compared to those based on the Wavelets Technique and cloudiness derived from meteorological satellite images. Observations on June 2007 at Camagüey gradient Tower were used, and some results were derived, such as the critical (Ra = 1.32 x 10³). Positive value of the vertical velocity was set as the necessary condition for the onset of convection. It was found that Ra is an indicator of the convection type that should form, whereas Ri is an indicator of its intensity.
convection; coherent structures
