Boundary Layer Convergence

On September 28, 1997, a dry, cold front passed over central Oklahoma from the Northeast, converging with a warm, moist front from the Southeast. The orientation of the two fronts resulted in a symmetric collision (known as “symmetric convergence”) that caused moist surface air to rise and form clouds over central Oklahoma. This convergence occurred at night when convection should be low and exemplifies how simple air flow dynamics could lead to clouds and precipitation. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of the frontal collision and determine various aspects of the stability of the system, such as scorer parameter, Brunt-Vaisala frequency, and potential temperature. These parameters provide important insight into the stability of the of the symmetric convergence that allowed the wave to propagate and subsequently form clouds. We will present our methods of study, comparison with theoretical calculations, and other details of the dynamics of this event.