Examining the moisture effects on idealized flow past 2D hills

Systematic analyses using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model have been carried out to further a fundamental understanding of the effects of atmospheric moisture on idealized flow past two-dimensional (2D) hills. Results are discussed from extensive numerical experimentation that covers a wide range of atmospheric upstream conditions and mountain shapes. The presentation will highlight the great sensitivity of the terrain-triggered flow response, temperature distribution, and spatial rainfall accumulation to the atmospheric stability and wind speed of the approaching airmass and to the terrain height and halfwidth. The moist simulation results are contrasted with results from corresponding dry simulations to visualize the observed dramatic differences.