JP2.8
Anabatic flow development in the context of atmospheric stability and resulting orographic convection: A cumulus photogrammetric, in-situ and Doppler observations (CuPIDO) study
Cory Demko, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY; and B. Geerts
Data from 10 Integrated Surface Flux Facility (ISFF) stations covering approximately two months (18 June through 02 September 2006) are examined during the Cumulus Photogrammetric, In-Situ and Doppler Observations (CuPIDO) field campaign. This analysis entails an extension from previous work relating anabatic/katabatic flow development and vertical stability to subsequent cumulonimbus development over the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson, AZ. Specifically, the relationship between moisture convergence and precipitation are examined. Moisture convergence integrated over the planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth is compared to cumulated precipitation recorded via the 10 surface stations. Since orographic convection throughout the inter-mountain region of the United States tends toward inefficient, one expects the moisture convergence term dominate over the precipitation term; most moisture is detrained aloft and/or transported back into the PBL through evaporation (i.e. virga). Also, the data examined produces two distinct classifications; contrasting days (1) before/after monsoon onset and (2) days with/without Cb development. Over approximately two months, how does the surface anabatic regime develop? Is there a connection between the strength and resulting cumulus convection? If readily available, would the anabatic wind component help forecasters determine when and where orographic convection commences?
Joint Poster Session 2, Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Part II
Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM, Exhibit Hall B
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