Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Initiation and Evolution of Deep Convective Clouds
|
|
- Joella Randall
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Initiation and Evolution of Deep Convective Clouds Cao Zhi-Qiang, Huang Qing-Ni & Zhao Su-Rong To cite this article: Cao Zhi-Qiang, Huang Qing-Ni & Zhao Su-Rong (203) Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Initiation and Evolution of Deep Convective Clouds, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, 6:6, To link to this article: Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Published online: 2 Aug 205. Submit your article to this journal Article views: 70 Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at
2 ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 203, VOL. 6, NO. 6, Using Satellite Data to Analyze the Initiation and Evolution of Deep Convective Clouds CAO Zhi-Qiang' 2' 3, HUANG Qing-Ni3, and ZHAO Su-Rong4 Institute ofatmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy ofsciences, Beijing 00029, China Graduate University of the Chinese Academy ofsciences, Beijing 00049, China National Satellite Meteorological Center, Beijing 0008, China ~National Meteorological Center, Beijing 0008, China Received 5 January 203; revised 27 May 203; accepted 7 June 203; published 6 November 203 Abstract In this study, two deep convective cloud cases were analyzed in detail to study their initiation and evolution. In both cases, all deep convective clouds were positioned at the rear of the cold front cloud bands and propagated backward. Satellite data showed that prior to initiation of the deep convective clouds, thermodynamic and moist conditions were favorable for their formation. In the morning, a deep convective cloud at the rear of cold front cloud band propagated backward, the outflow boundary of which created favorable conditions for initiation. An additional deep convective cloud cluster moved in from the west and interacted with the outflow boundary to develop a mesoscale convective system (MCS) with large, ellipse-shaped deep convective clouds that brought strong rainfall. The initiation and evolution of these clouds are shown clearly in satellite data and provide significant information for nowcasting and short-term forecasting. Keywords: deep convective clouds, satellite data, initiation, evolution Citation: Cao, Z.-Q., Q.-N. Huang, and S.-R. Zhao, 203: Using satellite data to analyze the initiation and evolution of deep convective clouds, Atmos. Oceanic Sci. Lett., 6, , doi:i0.3878/j.issn Introduction Because deep convective clouds often bring thunderstorms, strong rainfall, hail, and tornadoes, monitoring their initiation and evolution is of utmost importance. However, forecasting the short-time duration and intense nonlinear dynamic processes of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) by using numerical methods has certain limitations. Moreover, the radiosonde observation approach contains inaccuracies due to sparse distribution in time and space (Yu et al., 2005). Since the 950s, radar has been applied to identify strong convective weather (Zhang et al., 200), and an array of methods developed to trace its evolution has been widely applied to shortterm forecasting and nowcasting. However, this method, which is based on echoes of distinguished deep convective clouds, is not suitable for analysis of environmental characteristics because it identifies only cloud intensity and does not effectively represent water vapor and thercorrespondlllg author: CAO Zbi-Qiang, zqcao@pku.org.cn mal characteristics of the environmental field. Geostational meteorological satellites have large observation views and high temporal and spatial resolutions; therefore, these satellites have been widely applied to weather analysis. Such applications focus mainly on detection and analysis of mesoscale convective clouds (MCCs); however, satellite data are rarely applied to analysis of thermal and dynamic conditions prior to deep convective clouds initiation and thus have little forecasting significance. In this study, several deep convection cases were selected, two of which were analyzed in detail to study the initiation and evolution of deep convective clouds. 2 Cases and method The deep convection cases selected in this study generally occurred north of the Changjiang River in East China (fable ). The main weather system includes westerly wind trough and cold vortex cloud systems, which produce thunderstorms, hail, and gales. Heavy rainfall occurs when the water vapor content is excessive. Deep convective clouds are initiated at the rear of the cloud band corresponding to the weather system, and their wind fields are relatively weak. Thus, accurate forecasting of deep convection systems is difficult. Two cases were selected from those listed in Table for detailed analysis. The first case occurred in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces on 5 June 2009; the second occurred in Hebei and Shandong provinces on 26 July 202. In the case studies, we used FY-2C and FY-2E geostational meteorological satellite data together with National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Final Operational Global Analysis data to examine the initiation and evolution characteristics of deep convective clouds. In addition, we explored the application of satellite data of deep convection nowcasting. To obtain an overview of the characteristics of these cases, water vapor channel images were Table Deep convection cases. Date Affected area Main disasters 4 June 2005 Shandong,Jiangsu Thunderstorm 8 July 2007 Shandong, Henan Strong rainfall 5 June2009 Shan.dong, Jiangsu, Anhui Hail, gales 9 August 200 Shandong, Hebei Thunderstorm 26July202 Shandong, Hebei Strong rainfall
3 446 ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS overlaid with 500 hpa geopotential height for the remaining three cases listed in Table (Fig. ). The use of brightness temperature threshold is an easy and reliable method for identifying deep convective clouds. Maddox (980) used 24Kand22 Kand Velasco and Fritsch (987) used 233 K for brightness temperature thresholds in MCC identification. Although different brightness temperature thresholds indicate specific areas of deep convective clouds, the area of strong convective clouds is in linear proportion to the brightness temperature when it is between 225 K and 245 K (Machado 50 N 40 N 30 N VOL. 6 et al.,993; Mapes and Houze, 992). Therefore, 233K was used to identify deep convective clouds in our case studies Case Initiation characteristics of deep convective clouds On 5 June 2009, a deep convective weather event occurred in the Jiangsu and Anhui areas in which many surface observation stations reported hail, and a town in Peixian County of Jiangsu Province was hit by a tornado. Prior to deep convective cloud initiation, two troughs and one ridge feature of middle-high latitude circulation appeared (Fig. 2a). In the northeast area, a closed circulation system corresponded to a northeastern cold vortex, and a cold front cloud band existed with a tail located in Shandong Peninsula. A dark boundary appeared behind the cold front, which implies a weak downdraft of cold air mass at high altitudes. Figure 2b shows a visible channel image including four conditions marked "A"-"D". "A" represents advection fog, which indicates low wind speed; "B" represents convective clouds, which indicates atmospheric instability and an abundance of water vapor at the low level of the troposphere, in addition to uneven 50 N 40 N 50 N 40 N 30 N 0 E 20 E 30 E Figure Overlaid imagery of FY geostationary satellite water vapor channel data (a) 4:00 BT 4 June 2005, (b) 8:00 BT 8 July 2007, (c) 2:00 BT 9 August 200, and NCEP 500 HPa geopotential height data. Figure 2 (a) Overlaid imagery offy-2c water vapor channel data and NCEP 500 hpa geopotential height data captured at 8:00 BT 5 June 2009; (b) Visible channel imagery offy-2c at 8:00 BT 5 June 2009.
4 N0.6 CAO ET AL.: DEEP CONVECTIVE CLOUDS'S ANALYSIS 447 heating by solar radiation in the surrounding atmosphere; "C" represents deep convective clouds; and "D" represents an isolated convective cloud cluster. These conditions are favorable for deep convective cloud initiation because in summer, wind speed is low, which enables the thermal characteristics necessary for the initiation and evolution of such clouds (Chen, 2005). The contour of brightness temperature at 0:00 Beijing time (BT) was in greater disorder than at 8:00 BT, which implies uneven heating by the sun (Fig. 3). The deep convective cloud represented by "C" is the tail of the cold front, which propagated southwest in a direction nearly opposite that of the cloud band movement. Such movement is referred to as backward propagation in this paper. When the tail propagated near the aforementioned unstable area, deep convective clouds were initiated. 3.2 Evolution of deep convective clouds The brightness temperature threshold was used to identify deep convective clouds, which are marked in Fig. 4 by dark shading; the black curved lines indicate their movement paths. As shown in Fig. 4a, a deep convective cloud was located over Shandong Peninsula. The cloud moved southwest in the general direction of Jiangsu province (Fig. 4b) and experienced evolution processes of mergence, splitting, and extinction, which caused severe weather in a large area north of Jiangsu and Anhui. At 8:00 BT, nearly all of the clouds merged together, as shown in Fig. 4d. However, the irregular shape of the merged cloud indicates that it did not form a complete circumfluence. After 30 min, the deep convective cloud split into five clouds, the largest of which was located in Anhui and Jiangsu (Fig. 4e), to subsequently form an MCS of alpha scale (MaCS). At approximately 20:00 BT, the system evolved into its most intensive form, as indi- 5"E 20"E 25 E Figure 3 Infrared imagery of FY-2C satellite with brightness temperature contours at (a) 8:00 BT and (b) 0:00 BT 5 June Figure 4 The identification and moving path of the deep convective cloud on 26 July 20 2: (a) Identification graph at 0:00 BT; (b) identification graph at 4:30 BT and movement path at 0:00-4:30 BT; (c) identification graph at 7:30 BT and movement path at 0:00-7:30 BT; (d) identification graph at 8:00 BT; (e) identification graph at 8:30 BT; (f) identification graph at 24:00 and movement path at 9:00-24:00 BT. Light shading represents deep convective cloud of occurring at 20:00 BT.
5 448 ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS cated in Fig. 4f by light shading. The area of brightness temperature less than 24 K was approximately km2 whereas that for bright temperature less than 22 K was approximately km2 Such conditions nearly satisfy the definition of MCC reported by Maddox (980); however, the duration time is obviously shorter than that included in the definition. After 22:30 BT, the cloud began to weaken before disappearing north of Zhejiang Province; Figure 4f shows the cloud movement path. 4 The second case 4. Initiation characteristics of deep convective clouds From the afternoon until midnight on 26 July 202, heavy rainfall of a lengthy duration occurred in a widespread area that included southern and northern regions of Hebei and Shandong provinces, respectively. This rainfall event was caused by an MaCS composed by deep convective clouds that was initiated at the rear of a cloud band. Figure 5 shows the FY-2E water vapor channel image overlaid with NCEP 500 hpa geopotential height data captured at 8:00 BT on 26 July A trough of low pressure was present over the eastern regions of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Corresponding to this trough was a cold-front cyclone cloud system with an occluded head. A dark band present behind the cold front cloud band indicates a dry air mass at the upper level of the troposphere. At the southern part of the cold front cloud band, an enclosed contour line of 588 dam appeared, which is characteristic of subtropical anticyclonic high pressure. In addition, the appearance of a dark area west of the 588 dam contour area, which moved northwest to accompany the upper cold vortex in Jiangxi Province, is indicative of a dry air mass in the middle-high troposphere. The area of convective clouds initiation and evolution was located between these two dark areas in the figure. Figure 6a shows the surface observation of wind, tern- VOL. 6 perature, and weather phenomena captured at 4:00 BT 26 July 202. The double line in the figure represents the boundary layer convergence line. The atmospheric temperature at a.5 m height at most stations south of the line in the southern and northern regions of Hebei and Shandong provinces, respectively, was equal to or greater than 35 C, which is a relatively high temperature. The temperature north of the line was relative low. The wind north of the line in Hebei province was from the east. The wind north of the line in Shanxi Province was not uniform; that south of the line was a quite uniform southerly. The south and east winds brought a substantial amount of moist air to the south of Hebei province and north of Shandong Province, which created favorable conditions for deep convective clouds initiation and significant rainfall. As shown in Fig. 6b, the visible channel image obtained at 5:30 BT indicates the presence of many cumulus cloud lines at Shandong Province and in eastern Henan Province. The direction of these cloud lines was con- Figure 5 Overlay imagery of FY-2E water vapor channel data and NCEP 500 hpa geopotential height data at 8:00 BT 26 July 202. Figure 6 (a) Surface observations of wind, temperature, and weather phenomena at 4:00 BT 26 July 202; (b) Visible channel imagery offy-2e at 5:30 BT 26 July 202.
6 N0.6 CAO ET AL.: DEEP CONVECTIVE CLOUDS'S ANALYSIS 449 sistent with wind direction. 4.2 Evolution of deep convective clouds The deep convective clouds affecting south of Hebei province and north of Shandong province were initiated at 2:00 BT (Fig. 7). At the same time, a deep convective cloud appeared over eastern Hebei Province that propagated backward at the next hour. In the middle region of Shanxi Province, two deep convective clouds were initiated and matured rapidly from 3:00 to 6:00 BT before moving southeast to form a squall line (Fig. 8). At 7:00 BT, the squall line was in close proximity to the deep convective cloud over eastern Hebei Province and had already interacted with the outflow boundary of the cloud. The squall line then widened and evolved from 8:00 to 22:00 BT into an ellipse-shaped MaCS; heavy rainfall also occurred during the same period. At 20:00 BT, when the MaCS was largest, the area of brightness temperature less than 24 K of the deep convective cloud was approximately km 2 whereas that for bright temperature less than 22 K was approximately km 2 Such conditions nearly satisfied the definition of MCC; however, the duration time was slightly short. After 2 :00 BT, the area of the MCS began to decrease. 5 Conclusion To examine the initiation and evolution of deep convective clouds, several deep convection cases were selected. In all cases, the deep convective clouds initiated at the rear of a cloud band corresponding to a cold front or a trough and usually propagated backward. Two cases were selected for detailed analysis. Figure 7 Identification of deep convective cloud from from 2:00 BT to 2:00 BT 26 July 202.
7 450 ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS VOL. 6 and differences. In both cases, a deep convective cloud had already formed at the rear of a cold front cloud band, and the deep convective cloud propagated backward in the morning. The deep convective clouds had arc lines formed by their outflow boundaries, which interacted with other deep convective clouds moving in from the west to form MaCSs. Both cases showed similarity to MCCs; however, duration times were short. In contrast, movement in the deep convective clouds from west formed a squall line that was stronger than the first case in the second case. In addition, the MaCS of the second case was larger than that in the first case and produced a larger amount of rainfall. Figure 8 Base reflectivity of radars (units: dbz) at North China at 3:40 BT 26 July 202. For the first case, the following conclusions were drawn: ( ) In the morning, cumuliform clouds over the middle region of Jiangsu Province were sparse, which indicates that the atmospheric stratification was unstable. Fog in the northern area resulted in uneven heating and caused horizontal atmosphere instability. (2) The deep convective cloud over Shandong Peninsula propagated southwest toward this unstable area, the outflow boundary of which created favorable conditions for initiation. (3) After 6:00 BT, an arc cloud line formed by the outflow boundary interacted with other clouds to form an MaCS. For the second case, the following conclusions were drawn: () In the daytime, the heating of the low-level troposphere caused unstable stratification. Several inflow cloud lines present in Shandong Province and in eastern Henan Province indicate that a significant amount of low-level moist warm air was transported northward. (2) A squall line moved in from the west and interacted with the outflow boundary to form an MaCS. A comparison of these two cases revealed similarities Acknowledgements. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China "Study of Characteristics of the Environmental Field before the Deep Convective Cloud Initiated Using Geostational Meteorological Satellite Data" (Grant No ). References Chen, W. M., 2005: Satellite Meteorology, Meteorology Press, Beijing, Machado, L.A. T., J. Duvel, and M. Desbois, 993: Diurnal variations and modulation by easterly waves of the size distribution of convective cloud clusters over west Africa and Atlantic Ocean, Mon. Wea. Rev., 2(), Maddox, R. A., 980: Mesoscale convective complex, Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 6(), Mapes, B. E., and R. A. Houze, 992: An integrated view of 987 Australian monsoon and its mesoscale convective systems. Part I: Horizontal structure, Quart. J Roy. Meteor. Soc., 8(507), Velasco, I., and J. M. Fritsch: 987: Mesoscale convective complexes in the Americas,J Geophys. Res., 92(8), Yu, X. D., Y. C. Wang, and M. X. Chen, 2005: Severe convective weather warnings and its improvement with the introduction of the NEXRAD, Plateau Meteor. (in Chinese), 24(3), Zhang, P. C., B. Y. Du, and T. P. Dai, 200: Radar Meteorology, Meteorology Press, Beijing, 5 pp.
DISTRIBUTION AND DIURNAL VARIATION OF WARM-SEASON SHORT-DURATION HEAVY RAINFALL IN RELATION TO THE MCSS IN CHINA
3 DISTRIBUTION AND DIURNAL VARIATION OF WARM-SEASON SHORT-DURATION HEAVY RAINFALL IN RELATION TO THE MCSS IN CHINA Jiong Chen 1, Yongguang Zheng 1*, Xiaoling Zhang 1, Peijun Zhu 2 1 National Meteorological
More informationAnthony A. Rockwood Robert A. Maddox
Anthony A. Rockwood Robert A. Maddox An unusually intense MCS produced large hail and wind damage in northeast Kansas and northern Missouri during the predawn hours of June 7 th, 1982. Takes a look at
More informationChapter 3 Convective Dynamics 3.4. Bright Bands, Bow Echoes and Mesoscale Convective Complexes
Chapter 3 Convective Dynamics 3.4. Bright Bands, Bow Echoes and Mesoscale Convective Complexes Photographs Todd Lindley Bright band associated with stratiform precipitation in a squall line system 1 Bright
More informationJournal of Arid Meteorology
32 3 2014 6 干旱气象 Journal of Arid Meteorology Vol. 32 No. 3 June 2014. 2012 7 27 J. 2014 32 3424-430 LIU Yong GUO Damei HU Qiyuan. Cause Analysis of an Extremely Heavy Rainstorm in Jiaxian County in the
More informationSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS ON SEVERE CONVECTIVE WEATHER COMBINING SATELLITE, CONVENTIONAL OBSERVATION AND NCEP DATA
12.12 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS ON SEVERE CONVECTIVE WEATHER COMBINING SATELLITE, CONVENTIONAL OBSERVATION AND NCEP DATA Zhu Yaping, Cheng Zhoujie, Liu Jianwen, Li Yaodong Institute of Aviation Meteorology
More informationThe Characteristics of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) over East Asia in Warm Seasons
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2012, VOL. 5, NO. 2, 102 107 The Characteristics of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) over East Asia in Warm Seasons LI Jun 1, WANG Bin 1,2, and WANG Dong-Hai
More informationThe Interdecadal Variation of the Western Pacific Subtropical High as Measured by 500 hpa Eddy Geopotential Height
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2015, VOL. 8, NO. 6, 371 375 The Interdecadal Variation of the Western Pacific Subtropical High as Measured by 500 hpa Eddy Geopotential Height HUANG Yan-Yan and
More information1 of 7 Thunderstorm Notes by Paul Sirvatka College of DuPage Meteorology. Thunderstorms
1 of 7 Thunderstorm Notes by Paul Sirvatka College of DuPage Meteorology Thunderstorms There are three types of thunderstorms: single-cell (or air mass) multicell (cluster or squall line) supercell Although
More informationNOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE. Seasonal Variation of the Diurnal Cycle of Rainfall in Southern Contiguous China
6036 J O U R N A L O F C L I M A T E VOLUME 21 NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE Seasonal Variation of the Diurnal Cycle of Rainfall in Southern Contiguous China JIAN LI LaSW, Chinese Academy of Meteorological
More informationWeakening relationship between East Asian winter monsoon and ENSO after mid-1970s
Article Progress of Projects Supported by NSFC Atmospheric Science doi: 10.1007/s11434-012-5285-x Weakening relationship between East Asian winter monsoon and ENSO after mid-1970s WANG HuiJun 1,2* & HE
More informationImpacts of the April 2013 Mean trough over central North America
Impacts of the April 2013 Mean trough over central North America By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service State College, PA Abstract: The mean 500 hpa flow over North America featured a trough over
More informationEarly May Cut-off low and Mid-Atlantic rains
Abstract: Early May Cut-off low and Mid-Atlantic rains By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service State College, PA A deep 500 hpa cutoff developed in the southern Plains on 3 May 2013. It produced a
More informationCharles A. Doswell III, Harold E. Brooks, and Robert A. Maddox
Charles A. Doswell III, Harold E. Brooks, and Robert A. Maddox Flash floods account for the greatest number of fatalities among convective storm-related events but it still remains difficult to forecast
More informationNumerical Simulation of Torrential Rainfall and Vortical Hot Towers in a Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective System
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2009, VOL. 2, NO. 4, 189 193 Numerical Simulation of Torrential Rainfall and Vortical Hot Towers in a Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective System ZHANG Man 1,2,3, Da-Lin
More informationChapter 3 Convective Dynamics Part V ñ Bright Bands, Bow Echoes and MCCs. Bright band associated with stratiform precipitation in a squall line system
Chapter 3 Convective Dynamics Part V ñ Bright Bands, Bow Echoes and MCCs Photographs Todd Lindley (This part contains materials taken from UCAR MCS training module) Bright band associated with stratiform
More informationThe increase of snowfall in Northeast China after the mid 1980s
Article Atmospheric Science doi: 10.1007/s11434-012-5508-1 The increase of snowfall in Northeast China after the mid 1980s WANG HuiJun 1,2* & HE ShengPing 1,2,3 1 Nansen-Zhu International Research Center,
More informationInvestigation of Supercells in China : Environmental and Storm Characteristics
11A.6 Investigation of Supercells in China : Environmental and Storm Characteristics Xiaoding Yu Xiuming Wang Juan Zhao Haiyan Fei ( China Meteorological Administration Training Center) Abstract Based
More informationP4.9 THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM OUTBREAK IN FINLAND ON 5 JULY 2002
P4.9 THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM OUTBREAK IN FINLAND ON 5 JULY 2002 Ari-Juhani Punkka* and Jenni Teittinen Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland 1. INTRODUCTION On 5 July 2002 a fast propagating
More informationFoundations of Earth Science, 6e Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa
Foundations of Earth Science, 6e Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa Weather Patterns and Severe Weather Foundations, 6e - Chapter 14 Stan Hatfield Southwestern Illinois College Air masses Characteristics Large body
More informationChapter 14 Thunderstorm Fundamentals
Chapter overview: Thunderstorm appearance Thunderstorm cells and evolution Thunderstorm types and organization o Single cell thunderstorms o Multicell thunderstorms o Orographic thunderstorms o Severe
More informationWhere does precipitation water come from?
Chapter II Climate and Meteorology Where does precipitation water come from? Introduction The source of water vapor existing over Mongolia has been considered to consist of evapotranspiration at several
More informationANSWER KEY. Part I: Synoptic Scale Composite Map. Lab 12 Answer Key. Explorations in Meteorology 54
ANSWER KEY Part I: Synoptic Scale Composite Map 1. Using Figure 2, locate and highlight, with a black dashed line, the 500-mb trough axis. Also, locate and highlight, with a black zigzag line, the 500-mb
More informationUse the terms from the following list to complete the sentences below. Each term may be used only once.
Skills Worksheet Directed Reading Section: Air Masses Use the terms from the following list to complete the sentences below. Each term may be used only once. high pressure poles low pressure equator wind
More informationWeather Studies Introduction to Atmospheric Science
Weather Studies Introduction to Atmospheric Science American Meteorological Society Chapter 1 Monitoring The Weather Credit: This presentation was prepared for AMS by Michael Leach, Professor of Geography
More informationCPTEC and NCEP Model Forecast Drift and South America during the Southern Hemisphere Summer
CPTEC and NCEP Model Forecast Drift and South America during the Southern Hemisphere Summer José Antonio Aravéquia 1 Pedro L. Silva Dias 2 (1) Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Research National
More informationType of storm viewed by Spotter A Ordinary, multi-cell thunderstorm. Type of storm viewed by Spotter B Supecell thunderstorm
ANSWER KEY Part I: Locating Geographical Features 1. The National Weather Service s Storm Prediction Center (www.spc.noaa.gov) has issued a tornado watch on a warm spring day. The watch covers a large
More informationThe Formation of Precipitation Anomaly Patterns during the Developing and Decaying Phases of ENSO
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2010, VOL. 3, NO. 1, 25 30 The Formation of Precipitation Anomaly Patterns during the Developing and Decaying Phases of ENSO HU Kai-Ming and HUANG Gang State Key
More informationApplication of microwave radiometer and wind profiler data in the estimation of wind gust associated with intense convective weather
Application of microwave radiometer and wind profiler data in the estimation of wind gust associated with intense convective weather P W Chan 1 and K H Wong 2 1 Hong Kong Observatory, 134A Nathan Road,
More information1. Which weather map symbol is associated with extremely low air pressure? A) B) C) D) 2. The diagram below represents a weather instrument.
1. Which weather map symbol is associated with extremely low air pressure? 2. The diagram below represents a weather instrument. Which weather variable was this instrument designed to measure? A) air pressure
More informationMid Atlantic Severe Event of 1 May 2017 Central Pennsylvania QLCS event By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service, State College, PA 16803
1. Overview Mid Atlantic Severe Event of 1 May 2017 Central Pennsylvania QLCS event By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service, State College, PA 16803 A strong upper-level wave (Fig.1) moving into a
More informationDaniel J. Cecil 1 Mariana O. Felix 1 Clay B. Blankenship 2. University of Alabama - Huntsville. University Space Research Alliance
12A.4 SEVERE STORM ENVIRONMENTS ON DIFFERENT CONTINENTS Daniel J. Cecil 1 Mariana O. Felix 1 Clay B. Blankenship 2 1 University of Alabama - Huntsville 2 University Space Research Alliance 1. INTRODUCTION
More information5D.6 EASTERLY WAVE STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OVER WEST AFRICA AND THE EAST ATLANTIC 1. INTRODUCTION 2. COMPOSITE GENERATION
5D.6 EASTERLY WAVE STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OVER WEST AFRICA AND THE EAST ATLANTIC Matthew A. Janiga* University at Albany, Albany, NY 1. INTRODUCTION African easterly waves (AEWs) are synoptic-scale disturbances
More informationSevere weather. Some case studies for medium-range forecasting. T. La Rocca, Department of Synoptic Meteorology, Italian Met. Service, Rome.
Severe weather. Some case studies for medium-range forecasting T. La Rocca, Department of Synoptic Meteorology, Italian Met. Service, Rome. The Met Alert Messages by the Watch Office of the Public Safety
More informationATS 351, Spring 2010 Lab #11 Severe Weather 54 points
ATS 351, Spring 2010 Lab #11 Severe Weather 54 points Question 1 (10 points): Thunderstorm development a) Sketch and describe the stages of development of a single cell thunderstorm. About how long does
More informationDEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY. Metr Fall 2012 Test #1 200 pts. Part I. Surface Chart Interpretation.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOSCIENCES SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY NAME Metr 356.01 Fall 2012 Test #1 200 pts Part I. Surface Chart Interpretation. Figure 1. Surface Chart for 1500Z 7 September 2007 1 1. Pressure
More informationWeather report 28 November 2017 Campinas/SP
Weather report 28 November 2017 Campinas/SP Summary: 1) Synoptic analysis and pre-convective environment 2) Verification 1) Synoptic analysis and pre-convective environment: At 1200 UTC 28 November 2017
More informationKenneth L. Pryor* and Gary P. Ellrod Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS) Camp Springs, MD
P1.57 GOES WMSI PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENTS Kenneth L. Pryor* and Gary P. Ellrod Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS) Camp Springs, MD 1. INTRODUCTION A multi-parameter index has
More information1. INTRODUCTION * Figure 1. National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC) storm reports for December 1, 2006.
P1.14 FORECAST ISSUES RELATED TO THE UNPRECEDENTED SEVERE AND HIGH WIND EVENT OF DECEMBER 2006 by Greg A. DeVoir* and Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16803 1. INTRODUCTION
More informationTropical Cyclone Forecasting Applications of the GOES WMSI
1. Introduction Tropical Cyclone Forecasting Applications of the GOES WMSI Kenneth L. Pryor Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS) Camp Springs, MD The Geostationary Operational Environmental
More informationFronts in November 1998 Storm
Fronts in November 1998 Storm Much of the significant weather observed in association with extratropical storms tends to be concentrated within narrow bands called frontal zones. Fronts in November 1998
More informationMultiscale Analyses of Inland Tropical Cyclone Midlatitude Jet Interactions: Camille (1969) and Danny (1997)
Multiscale Analyses of Inland Tropical Cyclone Midlatitude Jet Interactions: Camille (1969) and Danny (1997) Matthew Potter, Lance Bosart, and Daniel Keyser Department of Atmospheric and Environmental
More informationChapter 12 Fronts & Air Masses
Chapter overview: Anticyclones or highs Air Masses o Classification o Source regions o Air masses of North America Fronts o Stationary fronts o Cold fronts o Warm fronts o Fronts and the jet stream o Frontogenesis
More informationOakfield, WI Tornado of July 18 th, 1996: "Everything in its Right Place"
Oakfield, WI Tornado of July 18 th, 1996: "Everything in its Right Place" Arian Sarsalari Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison ABSTRACT This paper will serve
More informationCHAPTER 8 NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE ITCZ OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN AND INDONESIA DURING A NORMAL YEAR AND DURING AN ENSO YEAR
CHAPTER 8 NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE ITCZ OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN AND INDONESIA DURING A NORMAL YEAR AND DURING AN ENSO YEAR In this chapter, comparisons between the model-produced and analyzed streamlines,
More informationA more detailed and quantitative consideration of organized convection: Part I Cold pool dynamics and the formation of squall lines
A more detailed and quantitative consideration of organized convection: Part I Cold pool dynamics and the formation of squall lines Note: Lecture notes presented here based on course Daily Weather Laboratory
More informationture and evolution of the squall line developed over the China Continent. We made data analysis of the three Doppler radar observation during the IFO
Simulation Experiment of Squall Line Observed in the Huaihe River Basin, China Kazuhisa Tusboki 1 and Atsushi Sakakibara 2 1 Hydrospheric Atmospheric Research Center, Nagoya University 2 Research Organization
More informationPage 1. Name:
Name: 1) As the difference between the dewpoint temperature and the air temperature decreases, the probability of precipitation increases remains the same decreases 2) Which statement best explains why
More informationSevere Weather Event of 13 July 2014
Severe Weather Event of 13 July 2014 By Richard H. Grumm and Elyse M. Colbert National Weather Service State College, PA 1. Overview Severe weather affected the eastern United States (Fig. 1) from northwestern
More informationA SEVERE WEATHER EVENT IN ROMANIA DUE TO MEDITERRANEAN CYCLONIC ACTIVITY
A SEVERE WEATHER EVENT IN ROMANIA DUE TO MEDITERRANEAN CYCLONIC ACTIVITY Florinela Georgescu, Gabriela Bancila, Viorica Dima National Meteorological Administration, Bucharest, Romania Abstract Mediterranean
More informationAviation Hazards: Thunderstorms and Deep Convection
Aviation Hazards: Thunderstorms and Deep Convection TREND Diagnosis of thunderstorm hazards using imagery Contents Satellite imagery Visible, infrared, water vapour Basic cloud identification Identifying
More informationThunderstorm Downburst Prediction: An Integrated Remote Sensing Approach. Ken Pryor Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS)
Thunderstorm Downburst Prediction: An Integrated Remote Sensing Approach Ken Pryor Center for Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS) Topics of Discussion Thunderstorm Life Cycle Thunderstorm
More informationFORMATION OF AIR MASSES
Chapter 24: Weather (air mass, fronts, Weather instruments, and forecasting the weather) Name: Period: Due Date: Air Mass Use the terms from the following list to complete the sentences below. Each term
More informationAnswers to Clicker Questions
Answers to Clicker Questions Chapter 1 What component of the atmosphere is most important to weather? A. Nitrogen B. Oxygen C. Carbon dioxide D. Ozone E. Water What location would have the lowest surface
More informationMesoscale Convective Systems. The COMET Program March 2002
Mesoscale Convective Systems The COMET Program March 2002 Overview! Introduction to MCSs! Squall Lines! Bow Echoes! Mesoscale Convective Complexes Introduction Definition! Mesoscale convective systems
More informationIsolated severe weather and cold air damming 9 November 2005 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16801
Isolated severe weather and cold air damming 9 November 2005 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16801 1. INTRODUCTION Two lines of convection moved over the State of
More informationComparison of the seasonal cycle of tropical and subtropical precipitation over East Asian monsoon area
21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Gold Coast, Australia, 29 Nov to 4 Dec 2015 www.mssanz.org.au/modsim2015 Comparison of the seasonal cycle of tropical and subtropical precipitation
More informationMid-Latitude Cyclones and Fronts. Lecture 12 AOS 101
Mid-Latitude Cyclones and Fronts Lecture 12 AOS 101 Homework 4 COLDEST TEMPS GEOSTROPHIC BALANCE Homework 4 FASTEST WINDS L Consider an air parcel rising through the atmosphere The parcel expands as it
More informationMSG FOR NOWCASTING - EXPERIENCES OVER SOUTHERN AFRICA
MSG FOR NOWCASTING - EXPERIENCES OVER SOUTHERN AFRICA Estelle de Coning and Marianne König South African Weather Service, Private Bag X097, Pretoria 0001, South Africa EUMETSAT, Am Kavalleriesand 31, D-64295
More informationsevere VOLUME 5, NUMBER 1, FEBRUARY 1980
severe VOLUME 5, NUMBER 1, FEBRUARY 1980 TORNADIC THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT IN WEST TEXAS 27 MAY 1978 by Richard E. Peterson Atmospheric Science Group Texas University Lubbock, TX and Alan Johnson National
More informationTHE MESOSCALE CONVECTIVE SYSTEM FROM
RISCURI I CATASTROFE, NR.X, VOL.9, NR. 1/2011 THE MESOSCALE CONVECTIVE SYSTEM FROM 24.07.2010 ELZA HAUER, 1 C. NICHITA 1 ABSTRACT. The Mesoscale Convective System from 24.07.2010. A severe weather event
More informationThe Coupled Model Predictability of the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon with Different Leading Times
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2012, VOL. 5, NO. 3, 219 224 The Coupled Model Predictability of the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon with Different Leading Times LU Ri-Yu 1, LI Chao-Fan 1,
More informationRevisiting the Structure and Characteristics of an Early Summer Monsoon Trough over South China in 1975
194 SOLA, 2014, Vol. 10, 194 198, doi:10.2151/sola.2014-041 Revisiting the Structure and Characteristics of an Early Summer Monsoon Trough over South China in 1975 Feng Hsiao and Yi-Leng Chen University
More informationWhat a Hurricane Needs to Develop
Weather Weather is the current atmospheric conditions, such as air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, precipitation, relative humidity, air pressure, etc. 8.10B: global patterns of atmospheric
More informationSolutions to Comprehensive Final Examination Given on Thursday, 13 December 2001
Name & Signature Dr. Droegemeier Student ID Meteorology 1004 Introduction to Meteorology Fall, 2001 Solutions to Comprehensive Final Examination Given on Thursday, 13 December 2001 BEFORE YOU BEGIN!! Please
More informationApplication and Verification of Multi-Model Products in Medium Range Forecast
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2018, 6, 178-193 http://www.scirp.org/journal/gep ISSN Online: 2327-4344 ISSN Print: 2327-4336 Application and Verification of Multi-Model Products in
More informationCharacteristics of extreme convection over equatorial America and Africa
Characteristics of extreme convection over equatorial America and Africa Manuel D. Zuluaga, K. Rasmussen and R. A. Houze Jr. Atmospheric & Climate Dynamics Seminar Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University
More informationThe Long-lived eastern US tornadic supercell of 20 July 2017
1. Overview The Long-lived eastern US tornadic supercell of 20 July 2017 By Richard H. Grumm and Elissa A Smith National Weather Service State College, PA A long lived supercell developed near the eastern
More informationActivity: A Satellite Puzzle
Activity: A Satellite Puzzle Introduction Satellites provide unique views of Earth. The imagery acquired by these space platforms reveal weather systems and broad-scale circulation patterns that can be
More informationHAZARDOUS WEATHER 1. Dr. Julie Laity Geography 266
HAZARDOUS WEATHER 1 Dr. Julie Laity Geography 266 Violent Weather Thunderstorms Atmospheric turbulence Lightning and thunder Hail Derechos Tornadoes Tornado measurement and science Tropical Cyclones Hurricanes
More information3. HYDROMETEROLOGY. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Hydro-meteorological Aspect. 3.3 Rain Gauge Stations
3. HYDROMETEROLOGY 3.1 Introduction Hydrometeorology is a branch of meteorology and hydrology that studies the transfer of water and energy between the land surface and the lower atmosphere. Detailed hydrological
More informationWeather, Air Masses, Fronts and Global Wind Patterns. Meteorology
Weather, Air Masses, Fronts and Global Wind Patterns Meteorology Weather is what conditions of the atmosphere are over a short period of time. Climate is how the atmosphere "behaves" over long periods
More informationDecrease of light rain events in summer associated with a warming environment in China during
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 34, L11705, doi:10.1029/2007gl029631, 2007 Decrease of light rain events in summer associated with a warming environment in China during 1961 2005 Weihong Qian, 1 Jiaolan
More informationInvestigation of the Arizona Severe Weather Event of August 8 th, 1997
Investigation of the Arizona Severe Weather Event of August 8 th, 1997 Tim Hollfelder May 10 th, 2006 Abstract Synoptic scale forcings were very weak for these thunderstorms on August 7-8, 1997 over the
More informationChapter 10: Mid-latitude Cyclones Mid-Latitude Cyclones
Chapter 10: Mid-latitude Cyclones Mid-Latitude Cyclones Mid-latitude cyclones form along a boundary separating polar air from warmer air to the south. Life Cycle of Cyclone Cyclone Structures Steering
More informationChapter 10: Mid-latitude Cyclones
Chapter 10: Mid-latitude Cyclones Life Cycle of Cyclone Cyclone Structures Steering of Cyclone Mid-Latitude Cyclones Mid-latitude cyclones form along a boundary separating polar air from warmer air to
More informationOrographically enhanced heavy rainfall of 23 May 2010 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16803
Orographically enhanced heavy rainfall of 23 May 2010 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16803 1. INTRODUCTION During the overnight hours and into the early morning of
More informationChapter 24. Tropical Cyclones. Tropical Cyclone Classification 4/19/17
Chapter 24 Tropical Cyclones Tropical Cyclones Most destructive storms on the planet Originate over tropical waters, but their paths often take them over land and into midlatitudes Names Hurricane (Atlantic
More informationDepartment of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
10A.4 TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATIONS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CHENG-SHANG LEE 1 AND YUNG-LAN LIN* 1, 2 1 Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 2 Taipei Aeronautic Meteorological
More informationP3.17 THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE LOW-LEVEL MESOCYCLONES WITHIN A SUPERCELL. Joshua M. Boustead *1 NOAA/NWS Weather Forecast Office, Topeka, KS
P3.17 THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE LOW-LEVEL MESOCYCLONES WITHIN A SUPERCELL Joshua M. Boustead *1 NOAA/NWS Weather Forecast Office, Topeka, KS Philip N. Schumacher NOAA/NWS Weather Forecaster Office, Sioux
More informationP1.1 BAROCLINICITY INFLUENCES ON STORM DIVERGENCE IN THE SUBTROPICS
P1.1 BAROCLINICITY INFLUENCES ON STORM DIVERGENCE IN THE SUBTROPICS Larry J. Hopper, Jr.*, and Courtney Schumacher Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 1. INTRODUCTION Many studies have investigated
More informationHeat wave ending severe events of July 2010 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16803
Heat wave ending severe events of 23-25 July 2010 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service Office State College, PA 16803 1. INTRODUCTION A strong subtropical ridge (Fig. 1a) dominated the eastern
More informationFor the operational forecaster one important precondition for the diagnosis and prediction of
Initiation of Deep Moist Convection at WV-Boundaries Vienna, Austria For the operational forecaster one important precondition for the diagnosis and prediction of convective activity is the availability
More information2 July 2013 Flash Flood Event
2 July 2013 Flash Flood Event By Richard H. Grumm and Charles Ross National Weather Service State College, PA 1. Overview A retrograding 500 hpa cyclone and anticyclone (Fig. 1) set up deep southerly flow
More informationThe most abundant gas in the atmosphere by volume is. This gas comprises 78% of the Earth atmosphere by volume.
The most abundant gas in the atmosphere by volume is. This gas comprises 78% of the Earth atmosphere by volume. A. Oxygen B. Water Vapor C. Carbon Dioxide D. Nitrogen An isobar is a line of constant. A.
More informationTHE LOW-LEVEL JET FOR BUCHAREST S AIRPORTS - A STUDY OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS IN WINTER SEASON BETWEEN 1959 AND 1982
Romanian Reports in Physics, Vol. 67. No. 2, P. 638 652, 2015 THE LOW-LEVEL JET FOR BUCHAREST S AIRPORTS - A STUDY OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS IN WINTER SEASON BETWEEN 1959 AND 1982 M. BALMEZ 1,2, F. GEORGESCU
More informationMulti-day severe event of May 2013
Abstract: Multi-day severe event of 18-22 May 2013 By Richard H. Grumm and Charles Ross National Weather Service State College, PA A relatively slow moving Trough over the western United States and a ridge
More informationLarge-Scale Circulation Features Typical of Wintertime Extensive and Persistent Low Temperature Events in China
ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS, 2011, VOL. 4, NO. 4, 235 241 Large-Scale Circulation Features Typical of Wintertime Extensive and Persistent Low Temperature Events in China BUEH Cholaw 1, 2, FU
More informationFigure 1. Idealized global atmospheric circulation (C = surface convergence, D = surface divergence).
page - Laboratory Exercise #8 - Introduction to Atmospheric Science: Global Circulation and Weather Makers Section A - Global Atmospheric Circulation: To understand weather you need to understand how the
More information4/29/2011. Mid-latitude cyclones form along a
Chapter 10: Cyclones: East of the Rocky Mountain Extratropical Cyclones Environment prior to the development of the Cyclone Initial Development of the Extratropical Cyclone Early Weather Along the Fronts
More informationTrue or false: The atmosphere is always in hydrostatic balance. A. True B. False
Clicker Questions and Clicker Quizzes Clicker Questions Chapter 7 Of the four forces that affect the motion of air in our atmosphere, which is to thank for opposing the vertical pressure gradient force
More informationMESOSCALE WINDS IN VICINITY OF CONVECTION AND WINTER STORMS. Robert M. Rabin
MESOSCALE WINDS IN VICINITY OF CONVECTION AND WINTER STORMS Robert M. Rabin NOAA/National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL), Norman, OK Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), Madison,
More informationChapter22 Weather Maps
Name Teacher Period Date hapter22 Weather Maps hapter 22 Skill Sheet 1: Fronts Air masses are bodies of air that are relatively uniform in temperature and humidity. These bodies of air take on the characteristic
More informationSummary of November Central U.S. Winter Storm By Christopher Hedge
Summary of November 12-13 2010 Central U.S. Winter Storm By Christopher Hedge Event Overview The first significant snowfall of the 2010-2011 season affected portions of the plains and upper Mississippi
More informationNew Zealand Heavy Rainfall and Floods
New Zealand Heavy Rainfall and Floods 1. Introduction Three days of heavy rainfall associated with a deep upper-level low (Fig. 1) brought flooding to portions of New Zealand (Fig. 2). The flooding was
More informationLec 10: Interpreting Weather Maps
Lec 10: Interpreting Weather Maps Case Study: October 2011 Nor easter FIU MET 3502 Synoptic Hurricane Forecasts Genesis: on large scale weather maps or satellite images, look for tropical waves (Africa
More informationWeather Related Factors of the Adelaide floods ; 7 th to 8 th November 2005
Weather Related Factors of the Adelaide floods ; th to th November 2005 Extended Abstract Andrew Watson Regional Director Bureau of Meteorology, South Australian Region 1. Antecedent Weather 1.1 Rainfall
More informationHurricanes. April 14, 2009
Tropical Weather & Hurricanes Chapter 15 April 14, 2009 Tropical meteorology Tropics characterized by seasonal wet and drier periods- wet when sun is nearly overhead at noon and inter-tropical convergence
More information1. What influence does the Coriolis force have on pressure gradient wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere?
1. What influence does the Coriolis force have on pressure gradient wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere? A. Pushes wind to the left B. Pushes wind to the right C. Pushes wind up D. Pushes wind backwards
More informationIntroduction to African weather
Introduction to African weather Dr Caroline Bain Met Office, Exeter, UK Overview Convection and general circulation A tour around the seasons: West African Monsoon, AEWs, Short rains East Africa, Low-level
More informationThanksgiving Snow and Arctic Front 25 November 2005 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service State College, PA 16801
Thanksgiving Snow and Arctic Front 25 November 2005 By Richard H. Grumm National Weather Service State College, PA 16801 1. INTRODUCTION An approaching arctic front brought light snow to most of western
More information