Mechanics of Dry Line Convection

[Stephen Locke]

I find the mechanics of dryline convection confusing. I know humid air weighs less than dry air. But I've heard the density difference is not that much as say it would be along a cold front. However the density difference does cause a positive or negative boundary slope that can reverse . . . Is convection mainly initiated by dry line wind convergence? Is convection most likely during the diurnal advance or the retreat. What really starts the LIFT?
I sure would like to find a edge on diagram of this so I can picture it visually.
Also, is the dryline determined by surface observation or sounding.

 

[rdale]

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~rhulecki/drylinetstorms/Dryline.html

http://www.stormtrack.org/library/forecast/dryline.htm

 

[Chris Kennedy]

^great education links on drylines

 

[Jason Boggs]

Here is another great read on dryline analysis. One of the best I have found yet.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH CONVECTIVE INITIATION ALONG THE DRYLINE