Profiler observations of boundary layer convergence lines

We summarize measurements from an ongoing project investigating the detailed kinematic structure of convergence zones (CZ) in the boundary layer. The primary observational platform, the UAH Mobile Integrated Profiling System (MIPS) is used to define, at high vertical and temporal resolution, kinematic and thermodynamic fields within and around various CZs. The MIPS is capable of acquiring several kinematic and thermodynamic parameters with 915 MHz 5-beam profiler, the 2 kHz Doppler sodar, Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) a lidar ceilometer and a surface station. The paper will present an overview of CZs measured during the Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS) during August-September 2000 around the Houston region. These include (a) a vigorous gust front, (b) a convergence zone produced by the interaction of the Galveston Bay and Gulf sea breezes, (c) a gravity wave, and (d) CZs of unknown classification. The analyses will also utilize Doppler radar (WSR-88D) and GOES visible imagery to define details of vertical motion, cloud organization, and changes in boundary layer properties (depth, turbulence, etc) within and around the CZ. The talk will present highlights of additional experiments to be conducted in the Huntsville region during 2001, including a lake breeze experiment using the MIPS and high-resolution Doppler radar.