Response of Simulated Squall Lines to Low-Level Cooling

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 1323-1341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Jet Streams ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Low Level Jet ◽  
Nocturnal Inversion

Abstract Organized convection has long been recognized to have a nocturnal maximum over the central United States. The present study uses idealized numerical simulations to investigate the mechanisms for the maintenance, propagation, and evolution of nocturnal-like convective systems. As a litmus test for the basic governing dynamics, the experiments use horizontally homogeneous initial conditions (i.e., they include neither fronts nor low-level jet streams). The simulated storms are allowed to mature as surface-based convective systems before the boundary layer is cooled. In this case it is then surprisingly difficult to cut the mature convective systems off from their source of near-surface inflow parcels. Even when 10 K of the low-level cooling has been applied, the preexisting system cold pool is sufficient to lift boundary layer parcels to their levels of free convection. The present results suggest that many of the nocturnal convective systems that were previously thought to be elevated may actually be surface based. With additional cooling, the simulated systems do, indeed, become elevated. First, the CAPE of the near-surface air goes to zero: second, as the cold pool’s temperature deficit vanishes, the lifting mechanism evolves toward a bore atop the nocturnal inversion. Provided that air above the inversion has CAPE, the system then survives and begins to move at the characteristic speed of the bore. Interestingly, as the preconvective environment is cooled and approaches the temperature of the convective outflow, but before the system becomes elevated, yet another distinct behavior emerges. The comparatively weaker cold pool entails slower system motion but also more intense lifting, apparently because it is more nearly balanced by the lower-tropospheric shear. This could explain the frequent observation of intensifying convective systems in the evening hours without the need for a nocturnal low-level jet. The governing dynamics of the simulated systems, as well as the behavior of low-level tracers and parcel trajectories, are addressed for a variety of environments and degrees of stabilization.

The Response of Simulated Nocturnal Convective Systems to a Developing Low-Level Jet

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (10) ◽  
pp. 3384-3408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J. French ◽  
Matthew D. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Stable Boundary Layer ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Squall Line ◽  
Stable Boundary ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Squall Lines ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Low Level Jet

Abstract Some recent numerical experiments have examined the dynamics of initially surface-based squall lines that encounter an increasingly stable boundary layer, akin to what occurs with the onset of nocturnal cooling. The present study builds on that work by investigating the added effect of a developing nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ) on the convective-scale dynamics of a simulated squall line. The characteristics of the simulated LLJ atop a simulated stable boundary layer are based on past climatological studies of the LLJ in the central United States. A variety of jet orientations are tested, and sensitivities to jet height and the presence of low-level cooling are explored. The primary impacts of adding the LLJ are that it alters the wind shear in the layers just above and below the jet and that it alters the magnitude of the storm-relative inflow in the jet layer. The changes to wind shear have an attendant impact on low-level lifting, in keeping with current theories for gust front lifting in squall lines. The changes to the system-relative inflow, in turn, impact total upward mass flux and precipitation output. Both are sensitive to the squall line–relative orientation of the LLJ. The variations in updraft intensity and system-relative inflow are modulated by the progression of the low-level cooling, which mimics the development of a nocturnal boundary layer. While the system remains surface-based, the below-jet shear has the largest impact on lifting, whereas the above-jet shear begins to play a larger role as the system becomes elevated. Similarly, as the system becomes elevated, larger changes to system-relative inflow are observed because of the layer of potentially buoyant inflowing parcels becoming confined to the layer of the LLJ.

scholarly journals Near-Surface Thermodynamic Sensitivities in Simulated Extreme-Rain-Producing Mesoscale Convective Systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (6) ◽  
pp. 2177-2200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russ S. Schumacher ◽  
John M. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Outflow Boundary

Abstract This study investigates the influences of low-level atmospheric water vapor on the precipitation produced by simulated warm-season midlatitude mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). In a series of semi-idealized numerical model experiments using initial conditions gleaned from composite environments from observed cases, small increases in moisture were applied to the model initial conditions over a layer either 600 m or 1 km deep. The precipitation produced by the MCS increased with larger moisture perturbations as expected, but the rainfall changes were disproportionate to the magnitude of the moisture perturbations. The experiment with the largest perturbation had a water vapor mixing ratio increase of approximately 2 g kg−1 over the lowest 1 km, corresponding to a 3.4% increase in vertically integrated water vapor, and the area-integrated MCS precipitation in this experiment increased by nearly 60% over the control. The locations of the heaviest rainfall also changed in response to differences in the strength and depth of the convectively generated cold pool. The MCSs in environments with larger initial moisture perturbations developed stronger cold pools, and the convection remained close to the outflow boundary, whereas the convective line was displaced farther behind the outflow boundary in the control and the simulations with smaller moisture perturbations. The high sensitivity of both the amount and location of MCS rainfall to small changes in low-level moisture demonstrates how small moisture errors in numerical weather prediction models may lead to large errors in their forecasts of MCS placement and behavior.

Controls of Quasi-linear Convective System Tornado Intensity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey R. Marion ◽  
Robert J. Trapp
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Initiation Mechanism ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Short Time

AbstractAlthough tornadoes produced by quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) generally are weak and short-lived, they have high societal impact due to their proclivity to develop over short time scales, within the cool season, and during nighttime hours. Precisely why they are weak and short lived is not well understood, although recent work suggests that QLCS updraft width may act as a limitation to tornado intensity. Herein, idealized simulations of tornadic QLCSs are performed with variations in hodograph shape and length as well as initiation mechanism to determine the controls of tornado intensity. Generally, the addition of hodograph curvature in these experiments results in stronger, longer-lived tornadic like vortices (TLVs). A strong correlation between low-level mesocyclone width and TLV intensity is identified (R2 = 0.61), with a weaker correlation in the low-level updraft intensity (R2 = 0.41). The tilt and depth of the updraft are found to have little correlation to tornado intensity. Comparing QLCS and isolated supercell updrafts within these simulations, the QLCS updrafts are less persistent, with the standard deviations of low-level vertical velocity and updraft helicity to be approximately 48% and 117% greater, respectively. A forcing decomposition reveals that the QLCS cold pool plays a direct role in the development of the low-level updraft, providing the benefit of additional forcing for ascent while also having potentially deleterious effects on both the low-level updraft and near-surface rotation. The negative impact of the cold pool ultimately serves to limit the persistence of rotating updraft cores within the QLCS.

scholarly journals The Structure, Evolution, and Dynamics of a Nocturnal Convective System Simulated Using the WRF-ARW Model

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (8) ◽  
pp. 3179-3201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin T. Blake ◽  
David B. Parsons ◽  
Kevin R. Haghi ◽  
Stephen G. Castleberry
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Structure Evolution ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Density Current ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Arw Model ◽  
Low Level Jet

Previous studies have documented a nocturnal maximum in thunderstorm frequency during the summer across the central United States. Forecast skill for these systems remains relatively low and the explanation for this nocturnal maximum is still an area of active debate. This study utilized the WRF-ARW Model to simulate a nocturnal mesoscale convective system that occurred over the southern Great Plains on 3–4 June 2013. A low-level jet transported a narrow corridor of air above the nocturnal boundary layer with convective instability that exceeded what was observed in the daytime boundary layer. The storm was elevated and associated with bores that assisted in the maintenance of the system. Three-dimensional variations in the system’s structure were found along the cold pool, which were examined using convective system dynamics and wave theory. Shallow lifting occurred on the southern flank of the storm. Conversely, the southeastern flank had deep lifting, with favorable integrated vertical shear over the layer of maximum CAPE. The bore assisted in transporting high-CAPE air toward its LFC, and the additional lifting by the density current allowed for deep convection to occur. The bore was not coupled to the convective system and it slowly pulled away, while the convection remained in phase with the density current. These results provide a possible explanation for how convection is maintained at night in the presence of a low-level jet and a stable boundary layer, and emphasize the importance of the three-dimensionality of these systems.

Views on Applying RKW Theory: An Illustration Using the 8 May 2009 Derecho-Producing Convective System

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
pp. 1023-1043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Coniglio ◽  
Stephen F. Corfidi ◽  
John S. Kain
Keyword(s):  
Normal Component ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Shear Component

Abstract This work presents an analysis of the vertical wind shear during the early stages of the remarkable 8 May 2009 central U.S. derecho-producing convective system. Comments on applying Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory to mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) of this type also are provided. During the formative stages of the MCS, the near-surface-based shear vectors ahead of the leading convective line varied with time, location, and depth, but the line-normal component of the shear in any layer below 3 km ahead of where the strong bow echo developed was relatively small (6–9 m s−1). Concurrently, the midlevel (3–6 km) line-normal shear component had magnitudes mostly >10 m s−1 throughout. In a previous companion paper, it was hypothesized that an unusually strong and expansive low-level jet led to dramatic changes in instability, shear, and forced ascent over mesoscale areas. These mesoscale effects may have overwhelmed the interactions between the cold pool and low-level shear that modulate system structure in less complex environments. If cold pool–shear interactions were critical to producing such a strong system, then the extension of the line-normal shear above 3 km also appeared to be critical. It is suggested that RKW theory be applied with much caution, and that examining the shear above 3 km is important, if one wishes to explain the formation and maintenance of intense long-lived convective systems, particularly complex nocturnal systems like the one that occurred on 8 May 2009.

scholarly journals An overview of the diurnal cycle of the atmospheric boundary layer during the West African monsoon season: results from the 2016 observational campaign

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2913-2928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Kalthoff ◽  
Fabienne Lohou ◽  
Barbara Brooks ◽  
Gbenga Jegede ◽  
Bianca Adler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Radiation Budget ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Synoptic Conditions ◽  
Low Level Jet

Abstract. A ground-based field campaign was conducted in southern West Africa from mid-June to the end of July 2016 within the framework of the Dynamics–Aerosol–Chemistry–Cloud Interactions in West Africa (DACCIWA) project. It aimed to provide a high-quality comprehensive data set for process studies, in particular of interactions between low-level clouds (LLCs) and boundary-layer conditions. In this region missing observations are still a major issue. During the campaign, extensive remote sensing and in situ measurements were conducted at three supersites: Kumasi (Ghana), Savè (Benin) and Ile-Ife (Nigeria). Daily radiosoundings were performed at 06:00 UTC, and 15 intensive observation periods (IOPs) were performed during which additional radiosondes were launched, and remotely piloted aerial systems were operated. Extended stratiform LLCs form frequently in southern West Africa during the nighttime and persist long into the following day. They affect the radiation budget and hence the evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer and regional climate. The relevant parameters and processes governing the formation and dissolution of the LLCs are still not fully understood. This paper gives an overview of the diurnal cycles of the energy-balance components, near-surface temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction as well as of the conditions (LLCs, low-level jet) in the boundary layer at the supersites and relates them to synoptic-scale conditions (monsoon layer, harmattan layer, African easterly jet, tropospheric stratification) in the DACCIWA operational area. The characteristics of LLCs vary considerably from day to day, including a few almost cloud-free nights. During cloudy nights we found large differences in the LLCs' formation and dissolution times as well as in the cloud-base height. The differences exist at individual sites and also between the sites. The synoptic conditions are characterized by a monsoon layer with south-westerly winds, on average about 1.9 km deep, and easterly winds above; the depth and strength of the monsoon flow show great day-to-day variability. Within the monsoon layer, a nocturnal low-level jet forms in approximately the same layer as the LLC. Its strength and duration is highly variable from night to night. This unique data set will allow us to test some new hypotheses about the processes involved in the development of LLCs and their interaction with the boundary layer and can also be used for model evaluation.

scholarly journals A Study of the Role of Daytime Land–Atmosphere Interactions on Nocturnal Convective Activity in the Southern Great Plains during CLASIC

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 1932-1953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Erlingis ◽  
Ana P. Barros
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Temporal Scales ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Southern Great Plains ◽  
Low Level

Abstract This study examines whether and how land–atmosphere interactions can have an impact on nocturnal convection over the southern Great Plains (SGP) through numerical simulations of an intense nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) on 19–20 June 2007 with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. High-resolution nested simulations were conducted using realistic and idealized land surfaces and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations (PBLp): Yonsei University (YSU) and Mellor–Yamada–Janjić (MYJ). Differences in timing and amount of MCS precipitation among observations and model results were examined in the light of daytime land–atmosphere interactions, nocturnal prestorm environment, and cold pool strength. At the meso-γ scale, land cover and soil type have as much of an effect on the simulated prestorm environment as the choice of PBLp: MYJ simulations exhibit strong sensitivity to changes in the land surface in contrast to negligible impact in the case of YSU. At the end of the afternoon, as the boundary layer collapses, a more homogeneous and deeper PBL (and stronger low-level shear) is evident for YSU as compared to MYJ when initial conditions and land surface properties are the same. At the meso-β scale, propagation speed is faster and organization (bow echo morphology) and cold pool strength are enhanced when nocturnal PBL heights are higher, and there is stronger low-level shear in the prestorm environment independent of the boundary layer parameterization for different land surface conditions. A comparison of one- and two-way nested MYJ results demonstrates how daytime land–atmosphere interactions modify the prestorm environment remotely through advection of low-level thermodynamic features. This remote feedback strongly impacts the MCS development phase as well as its spatial organization and propagation velocity and, consequently, nocturnal rainfall. These results indicate that synoptic- and meso-α-scale dynamics can play an important role in determining the spatial and temporal scales over which precipitation feedbacks of land–atmosphere interactions emerge regionally. Finally, this study demonstrates the high degree of uncertainty in defining the spatial and temporal scales of land–atmosphere interactions where and when organized convection is dominant.

scholarly journals Multiscale Processes Enabling the Longevity and Daytime Persistence of a Nocturnal Mesoscale Convective System

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 733-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manda B. Chasteen ◽  
Steven E. Koch ◽  
David B. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Mesoscale Convective System ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Unstable Environment

Abstract Nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) frequently develop over the Great Plains in the presence of a nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ), which contributes to convective maintenance by providing a source of instability, convergence, and low-level vertical wind shear. Although these nocturnal MCSs often dissipate during the morning, many persist into the following afternoon despite the cessation of the LLJ with the onset of solar heating. The environmental factors enabling the postsunrise persistence of nocturnal convection are currently not well understood. A thorough investigation into the processes supporting the longevity and daytime persistence of an MCS was conducted using routine observations, RAP analyses, and a WRF-ARW simulation. Elevated nocturnal convection developed in response to enhanced frontogenesis, which quickly grew upscale into a severe quasi-linear convective system (QLCS). The western portion of this QLCS reorganized into a bow echo with a pronounced cold pool and ultimately an organized leading-line, trailing-stratiform MCS as it moved into an increasingly unstable environment. Differential advection resulting from the interaction of the nocturnal LLJ with the topography of west Texas established considerable heterogeneity in moisture, CAPE, and CIN, which influenced the structure and evolution of the MCS. An inland-advected moisture plume significantly increased near-surface CAPE during the nighttime over central Texas, while the environment over southeastern Texas abruptly destabilized following the commencement of surface heating and downward moisture transport. The unique topography of the southern plains and the close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provided an environment conducive to the postsunrise persistence of the organized MCS.

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