3D Analysis of Low-Level Shear and LCL Height Influences on Outflow and Surface Rotation in Simulated Supercell Thunderstorms

Two previous studies used idealized numerical simulations of supercell thunderstorms to study the influences of both the low-level wind profile (height < 1 km AGL) and lifting condensation level (LCL) on the characteristics of storm outflow and the associated near-surface vorticity. Cold pool strength is related to LCL through boundary layer relative humidity (RH). Higher (lower) RH results in a lower (higher) LCL, which reduces (increases) evaporational cooling in the downdraft, creating a warmer (cooler) and more (less) buoyant cold pool. Variation in the l Changes in cold pool propagation due to both shear and LCL can influence the position of near-surface rotation relative to the mesocyclone. Simulations with different combinations of LCL and low-level shear were visualized in virtual reality (VR). These VR animations allow us to interactively view the model outputs and observe how each combination of LCL and low-level shear modulate where surface circulation will be in relation to the mesocyclone.