Data for this project spans one year from February 2009 through February 2010. Forty unique cases in which orographic cirrus was observed on GOES infrared satellite imagery near regional upper-air observations were identified and will be evaluated. Regional radiosonde observations from Atlanta, GA., Greensboro, NC., Roanoke, VA., Sterling, VA., and Pittsburgh, PA. were included in the study. Frequency graphs that evaluate the month of occurrence, duration of the event, as well as the inversion height, depth and strength associated with each orographic cirrus case will be shown. Wind roses will be constructed to show winds at the top of the inversion as well as at the tropopause. A composite sounding will be developed to depict ideal conditions for orographic cirrus development.
NCAR/NCEP reanalysis data is used to evaluate the regional synoptic environment prior to and during the orographic cirrus outbreak. A composite synoptic analysis will be created to show an ideal pattern favorable for cirrus development.
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