Extended Abstract (2.6M)15.5
The effects of varying low-level, environmental stability on low-level rotation in numerical simulations of elevated supercells
Christopher J. Nowotarski, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; and P. M. Markowski
Elevated supercell thunderstorms are simulated in idealized, horizontally homogeneous environments containing shallow (less than 1 km deep) stable layers using the Bryan Cloud Model (CM1). The depth and amplitude of the imposed low-level stable layers (which together define the convective inhibition) are varied in a suite of numerical experiments. We will discuss the differences between the elevated supercells and a control supercell initiated in an environment lacking a low-level stable layer for a range of stable layer characteristics. Not surprisingly, preliminary analyses indicate decreasing near-ground vertical vorticity as low-level environmental stability increases. The dynamics governing this tendency will be examined.
Session 15, Numerical Modeling: Storm and Environment
Thursday, 30 October 2008, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM, North & Center Ballroom
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