Extended Abstract (272K)P5.24
Observations of the DCVZ Using Mobile Mesonets Data
Albert E. Pietrycha, NOAA/NSSL, Boulder, CO and Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; and E. N. Rasmussen
The Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone (DCVZ) was the focus of extensive work during the later part of VORTEX '98 field efforts. The use of two mobile mesonets allowed a finescale resolution of the thermodynamic structure near the ground to a generally unprecedented degree in atmospheric research. Numerous cyclonic vortices were sampled, ranging in diameter from 4 km to slightly less than 200 meters. The data suggest a plethora of interesting hypotheses regarding boundary behavior and evolution. DCVZ findings include the collapse of the moisture transition zone down to several tens of meters and the various magnitudes of the horizontal shear across the boundary. Most interesting are the questions raised concerning the life cycle of the vortices and their possible growth up- or downscale with time. By acting as a barrier to mixing, theoretically, the presence of eddies may also contribute to the delivery of boundary parcels to the level of free convection with less dilution than would otherwise be expected. This work is being conducted to better understand boundary dynamics and storm initiation as a necessary preliminary activity prior to IHOP and TIMEx.
Supplementary URL: http://mrd3.nssl.ucar.edu/~pietrych/www/vortex/dcvz/980716dcvz.html
Poster Session 5, New insights regarding mesoscale structure based on recent field experiments and new observing platforms—with Coffee Break
Wednesday, 1 August 2001, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
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