Application of Surface Mobile Observing Techniques in Complex Terrain

Using cool season cases from California, Arizona, and Alabama, the procedures and utility of mobile surface observations are demonstrated for interpretation and understanding of multi-scale weather features in high-relief topography. To complement the mobile data themselves, observations from nearby surface synoptic and RAWS sites at different elevations are incorporated together with radiosonde data to provide a more detailed vertical cross-section through the atmosphere. Results help shed light on structure of synoptic fronts, cross-mountain air mass gradients, and radiatively-driven microclimate. Some specific challenges to data analysis in complex terrain are also discussed.