Extended Abstract (28K)13.8
Simulations of Winter Mesoscale Circulations Associated with an Axisymmetric Isolated Heat and Moisture Sources
Neil F. Laird, ISWS, Champaign, IL; and D. A. R. Kristovich and J. E. Walsh
A fundamental outstanding issue in mesoscale and boundary layer research is how the atmosphere responds to, and interacts with, surface heat and moisture variations. Using an array of idealized mesoscale model simulations, we have examined the atmospheric response and subsequent mesoscale circulation resulting from cold flow over an isolated body of water at mid-latitudes. Parameters such as wind speed, water-air temperature difference, ambient atmospheric stability, and dimensions of the body of water were varied across observed ranges. Our findings suggest that the mesoscale structures that develop under varied ambient conditions are located within several regimes (e.g., vortices, bands) and are dependent on the Rossby number (Ro=V/f·L). Model simulations with low Rossby numbers (i.e., Ro < 0.18) resulted in a mesoscale vortex circulation. Simulations having Rossby numbers between 0.18 and 1.0 generated singular banded structures (e.g., land-breeze convergence zone) and a broad convergent region was produced at large Rossby numbers (Ro > 1.0). Additionally, our results demonstrate that the intensity of the mesoscale response (e.g., maximum vertical motions) can be predicted using a dimensionless function comprised of fundamental variables (e.g., wind speed, water-air temperature difference, ambient stability). The model, simulations results, and dimensionless function will be described and a physical interpretation of the intensity function will be presented.
Session 13, Mesoscale Dynamics
Thursday, 2 August 2001, 10:30 AM-3:00 PM
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