scholarly journals Numerical Analysis of a Mediterranean “Hurricane” over Southeastern Italy

2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (11) ◽  
pp. 4373-4397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Moscatello ◽  
Mario Marcello Miglietta ◽  
Richard Rotunno
Keyword(s):  
Latent Heat ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Configuration Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Lee Vortex ◽  
Set Up

Abstract The presence of a subsynoptic-scale vortex over the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern Italy on 26 September 2006 has been recently documented by the authors. The transit of the cyclone over land allowed an accurate diagnosis of the structure of the vortex, based on radar and surface station data, showing that the cyclone had features similar to those observed in tropical cyclones. To investigate the cyclone in greater depth, numerical simulations have been performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, set up with two domains, in a two-way-nested configuration. Model simulations are able to properly capture the timing and intensity of the small-scale cyclone. Moreover, the present simulated cyclone agrees with the observational analysis of this case, identifying in this small-scale depression the typical characteristics of a Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone. An analysis of the mechanisms responsible for the genesis, development, and maintenance of the cyclone has also been performed. Sensitivity experiments show that cyclogenesis on the lee side of the Atlas Mountains is responsible for the generation of the cyclone. Surface sensible and latent heat fluxes become important during the subsequent phase of development in which the lee-vortex shallow depression evolved as it moved toward the south of Sicily. During this phase, the latent heating, associated with convective motions triggered by a cold front entering the central Mediterranean area, was important for the intensification and contraction of the horizontal scale of the vortex. The small-scale cyclone subsequently deepened as it moved over the Ionian Sea and then maintained its intensity during its later transit over the Adriatic Sea; in this later stage, latent heat release continued to play a major role in amplifying and maintaining the vortex, while the importance of the surface fluxes diminished.

scholarly journals Numerical forecast and analysis of a tropical-like cyclone in the Ionian Sea

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 551-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Davolio ◽  
M. M. Miglietta ◽  
A. Moscatello ◽  
F. Pacifico ◽  
A. Buzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latent Heat ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Limited Area ◽  
Ionian Sea

Abstract. A forecasting system has been implemented for operational weather prediction over southern Italy in the framework of the RISKMED (INTERREG IIIB) project, which aims at weather-risk reduction in the central and eastern Mediterranean area. The system comprises two different regional forecasting chains, one based on BOLAM and MOLOCH models, the second based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. On 26 September 2006, a subsynoptic-scale vortex developed over the Mediterranean Sea and affected south-eastern Italy. The cyclone was documented by radar reflectivity maps, Meteosat Second Generation satellite images and surface stations data. The observational analysis showed that the cyclone possessed the typical characteristics of a Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone. All the limited-area models employed in RISKMED were able to properly forecast the formation of the small-scale vortex, although with differences in intensity, trajectory and evolution. The predictability of the event has been evaluated employing a multi-model, multi-analysis approach. The simulation results show strong sensitivity to the specification of the initial and boundary conditions. Sensitivity experiments were performed in order to analyse the mechanisms responsible for the development and the maintenance of the cyclone over the sea. The life cycle of the vortex turned out to be characterized by different phases: the orographic cyclogenesis on the lee side of the Atlas Mountains; the initial phase of development, characterised by the critical role played by the surface heat fluxes; the transition to a tropical-like cyclone mainly as a consequence of the latent-heat release associated with strong convective activity over the Ionian Sea; finally, the maintenance of the vortex strength due to both the surface fluxes and the release of latent heat.

scholarly journals Turbulence in a coastal Mediterranean area: surface fluxes and related parameters at Castel Porziano, Italy

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 3355-3372 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Cieslik ◽  
G. Gerosa ◽  
A. Finco ◽  
G. Matteucci ◽  
N. Cape ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Measuring Campaign ◽  
Ozone Fluxes

Abstract. During the ACCENT/VOCBAS measuring campaign conducted at Castel Porziano, Italy over a Mediterranean macchia ecosystem located near the coastline, a series of micrometeorological observations were made. Sensible and latent heat fluxes, as well as ozone fluxes, are presented. The behaviour of the main meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, is analysed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of surface fluxes using the WRF model – a case study to the Bananal wetlands’ region

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e17
Author(s):  
Rayonil Gomes Carneiro ◽  
Diogo Nunes da Silva Ramos ◽  
Letícia D’Agosto Miguel Fonseca ◽  
Camilla Kassar Borges ◽  
Cleber Assis dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latent Heat ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Global Radiation ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Surface Conditions

The present work aimed to analyze the simulations of surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat, and global radiation using the mesoscale atmospheric model (WRF) for the Bananal Island (Tocantins state, Brazil) region during three distinct seasonal periods (flooded, dry, and wet) in 2004. The final analysis of the NCEP global model was used as initial and boundary conditions of the WRF, which horizontal resolution (5 km) and physical parameterizations follow the operational settings used at CPTEC/INPE. The global radiation, the simulated sensible and latent heat fluxes were consistent with the observed data for the daily cycle, where the R2 was higher than 0.8, showing a good correlation between the data. However, the WRF outputs overestimates/underestimates follow a distinct seasonal pattern between global radiation and heat fluxes. There are some hypotheses for this result, such as potential limitations of the model in describing the surface conditions, whether static or dynamic. Future studies may investigate how sensitive the WRF would be when updating surface conditions for scenarios closer to reality, especially the flooded surface situation.

scholarly journals The West Coast Thermal Trough: Mesoscale Evolution and Sensitivity to Terrain and Surface Fluxes

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
pp. 2869-2896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Brewer ◽  
Clifford F. Mass ◽  
Brian E. Potter
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
West Coast ◽  
Energy Equation ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
The West ◽  
Surface Heat Fluxes ◽  
Thermodynamic Energy

Abstract Despite the significant impacts of the West Coast thermal trough (WCTT) on West Coast weather and climate, questions remain regarding its mesoscale structure, origin, and dynamics. Of particular interest is the relative importance of terrain forcing, advection, and surface heating on WCTT formation and evolution. To explore such questions, the 13–16 May 2007 WCTT event was examined using observations and simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. An analysis of the thermodynamic energy equation for these simulations was completed, as well as sensitivity experiments in which terrain or surface fluxes were removed or modified. For the May 2007 event, vertical advection of potential temperature is the primary driver of local warming and WCTT formation west of the Cascades. The downslope flow that drives this warming is forced by easterly flow associated with high pressure over British Columbia, Canada. When the terrain is removed from the model, the WCTT does not form and high pressure builds over the northwest United States. When the WCTT forms on the east side of the Cascades, diabatic heating dominates over the other terms in the thermodynamic energy equation, with warm advection playing a small role. If surface heat fluxes are neglected, an area of low pressure remains east of the Cascades, though it is substantially attenuated.

Subcloud and Cloud-Base Latent Heat Fluxes during Shallow Cumulus Convection

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 1081-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil P. Lareau
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Water Vapor ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Cumulus Convection ◽  
Mixing Ratio ◽  
Convective Boundary ◽  
Water Vapor Mixing Ratio

Abstract Doppler and Raman lidar observations of vertical velocity and water vapor mixing ratio are used to probe the physics and statistics of subcloud and cloud-base latent heat fluxes during cumulus convection at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) site in Oklahoma, United States. The statistical results show that latent heat fluxes increase with height from the surface up to ~0.8Zi (where Zi is the convective boundary layer depth) and then decrease to ~0 at Zi. Peak fluxes aloft exceeding 500 W m−2 are associated with periods of increased cumulus cloud cover and stronger jumps in the mean humidity profile. These entrainment fluxes are much larger than the surface fluxes, indicating substantial drying over the 0–0.8Zi layer accompanied by moistening aloft as the CBL deepens over the diurnal cycle. We also show that the boundary layer humidity budget is approximately closed by computing the flux divergence across the 0–0.8Zi layer. Composite subcloud velocity and water vapor anomalies show that clouds are linked to coherent updraft and moisture plumes. The moisture anomaly is Gaussian, most pronounced above 0.8Zi and systematically wider than the velocity anomaly, which has a narrow central updraft flanked by downdrafts. This size and shape disparity results in downdrafts characterized by a high water vapor mixing ratio and thus a broad joint probability density function (JPDF) of velocity and mixing ratio in the upper CBL. We also show that cloud-base latent heat fluxes can be both positive and negative and that the instantaneous positive fluxes can be very large (~10 000 W m−2). However, since cloud fraction tends to be small, the net impact of these fluxes remains modest.

scholarly journals High resolution land surface fluxes from satellite data (HOLAPS v1.0): evaluation and uncertainty assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 10783-10841
Author(s):  
A. Loew ◽  
J. Peng ◽  
M. Borsche
Keyword(s):  
Surface Energy ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Satellite Data ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Global Solar Radiation ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Surface Radiation ◽  
Water Fluxes ◽  
Essential Components

Abstract. Surface water and energy fluxes are essential components of the Earth system. Surface latent heat fluxes provide major energy input to the atmosphere. Despite the importance of these fluxes, state-of-the-art datasets of surface energy and water fluxes largely differ. The present paper introduces a new framework for the estimation of surface energy and water fluxes at the land surface, which allows for temporally and spatially high resolved flux estimates at the global scale (HOLAPS). The framework maximizes the usage of existing long-term satellite data records and ensures internally consistent estimates of the surface radiation and water fluxes. The manuscript introduces the technical details of the developed framework and provides results of a comprehensive sensitivity and evaluation study. Overall the results indicate very good agreement with in situ observations when compared against 49 FLUXNET stations worldwide. Largest uncertainties of latent heat flux and net radiation were found to result from uncertainties in the global solar radiation flux obtained from satellite data products.

Observed Impact of Atmospheric Aerosols on the Surface Energy Budget

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison L. Steiner ◽  
Dori Mermelstein ◽  
Susan J. Cheng ◽  
Tracy E. Twine ◽  
Andrew Oliphant
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Energy ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Atmospheric Aerosols ◽  
Sensible Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Surface Energy Budget ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Sensible Heat

Abstract Atmospheric aerosols scatter and potentially absorb incoming solar radiation, thereby reducing the total amount of radiation reaching the surface and increasing the fraction that is diffuse. The partitioning of incoming energy at the surface into sensible heat flux and latent heat flux is postulated to change with increasing aerosol concentrations, as an increase in diffuse light can reach greater portions of vegetated canopies. This can increase photosynthesis and transpiration rates in the lower canopy and potentially decrease the ratio of sensible to latent heat for the entire canopy. Here, half-hourly and hourly surface fluxes from six Flux Network (FLUXNET) sites in the coterminous United States are evaluated over the past decade (2000–08) in conjunction with satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) to determine if atmospheric aerosols systematically influence sensible and latent heat fluxes. Satellite-derived AOD is used to classify days as high or low AOD and establish the relationship between aerosol concentrations and the surface energy fluxes. High AOD reduces midday net radiation by 6%–65% coupled with a 9%–30% decrease in sensible and latent heat fluxes, although not all sites exhibit statistically significant changes. The partitioning between sensible and latent heat varies between ecosystems, with two sites showing a greater decrease in latent heat than sensible heat (Duke Forest and Walker Branch), two sites showing equivalent reductions (Harvard Forest and Bondville), and one site showing a greater decrease in sensible heat than latent heat (Morgan–Monroe). These results suggest that aerosols trigger an ecosystem-dependent response to surface flux partitioning, yet the environmental drivers for this response require further exploration.

scholarly journals Direct and Indirect Effects of Surface Fluxes on Moist Baroclinic Development in an Idealized Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3211-3225
Author(s):  
Kristine F. Haualand ◽  
Thomas Spengler
Keyword(s):  
Potential Energy ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Level Structure ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Latent Heating ◽  
Sensible Heat ◽  
Available Potential Energy

Abstract The convoluted role of surface sensible and latent heat fluxes on moist baroclinic development demands a better understanding to disentangle their local and remote effects. Including diabatic effects in the Eady model, the direct effects of surface fluxes on the diabatic generation of eddy available potential energy as well as their indirect effects through modifications of the circulation and latent heating are investigated. It is shown that surface sensible heat fluxes have a minor impact, irrespective of their position and parameterization, while latent heating in the region equivalent to the warm conveyor belt is the dominant diabatic source for development. Downward surface sensible heat fluxes in proximity of the warm conveyor belt results in structural modifications that increase the conversion from basic-state available potential energy to eddy available potential energy, while concomitantly weakening the ascent and hence latent heating. The detrimental effects are easily compensated through provision of additional moisture into the warm conveyor belt. Upward surface heat fluxes in the cold sector, on the other hand, are detrimental to growth. When downward (upward) surface sensible heat fluxes are located below the equivalent of the warm conveyor belt, the diabatically induced PV anomaly at the bottom of the latent heating layer becomes dominant (less dominant). Shifting the downward surface sensible heat fluxes away from the warm conveyor belt results in substantial changes in the growth rate, latent heat release, low-level structure, and energetics, where the effect of surface sensible heat fluxes might even be beneficial.

scholarly journals Fetch Effect on Flux-Variance Estimations of Sensible and Latent Heat Fluxes of Camellia Sinensis

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Noman Ali Buttar ◽  
Hu Yongguang ◽  
Josef Tanny ◽  
M Waqar Akram ◽  
Abdul Shabbir
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Eddy Covariance ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Sensible Heat Flux ◽  
Soil Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Sensible Heat ◽  
Fine Wire

Precise estimation of surface-atmosphere exchange is a major challenge in micrometeorology. Previous literature presented the eddy covariance (EC) as the most reliable method for the measurements of such fluxes. Nevertheless, the EC technique is quite expensive and complex, hence other simpler methods are sought. One of these methods is Flux-Variance (FV). The FV method estimates sensible heat flux (H) using high frequency (~10Hz) air temperature measurements by a fine wire thermocouple. Additional measurements of net radiation (Rn) and soil heat flux (G) allow the derivation of latent heat flux (LE) as the residual of the energy balance equation. In this study, the Flux Variance method was investigated, and the results were compared against eddy covariance measurements. The specific goal of the present study was to assess the performance of the FV method for the estimation of surface fluxes along a variable fetch. Experiment was carried out in a tea garden; an EC system measured latent and sensible heat fluxes and five fine-wire thermocouples were installed towards the wind dominant direction at different distances (fetch) of TC1 = 170 m, TC2 = 165 m, TC3 = 160 m, TC4 = 155 m and TC5 = 150 m from the field edge. Footprint analysis was employed to examine the effect of temperature measurement position on the ratio between 90% footprint and measurement height. Results showed a good agreement between FV and EC measurements of sensible heat flux, with all regression coefficients (R2) larger than 0.6; the sensor at 170 m (TC1), nearest to the EC system, had highest R2 = 0.86 and lowest root mean square error (RMSE = 25 Wm−2). The estimation of LE at TC1 was also in best agreement with eddy covariance, with the highest R2 = 0.90. The FV similarity constant varied along the fetch within the range 2.2–2.4.

Wind Speed, Surface Flux, and Convection Coupling from CYGNSS Data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Maloney ◽  
Hien Bui ◽  
Emily Riley Dellaripa ◽  
Bohar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Latent Heat Flux ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Surface Flux ◽  
Surface Wind Speed ◽  
Surface Fluxes ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Boreal Summer

<p>This study analyzes wind speed and surface latent heat flux anomalies from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), aiming to understand the physical mechanisms regulating intraseasonal convection, particularly associated with the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO). The importance of wind-driven surface flux variability for supporting east Pacific diurnal convective disturbances during boreal summer is also examined. An advantage of CYGNSS compared to other space-based datasets is that its surface wind speed retrievals have reduced attenuation by precipitation, thus providing improved information about the importance of wind-induced surface fluxes for the maintenance of convection. Consistent with previous studies from buoys, CYGNSS shows that enhanced MJO precipitation is associated with enhanced wind speeds, and that associated surface heat fluxes anomalies have a magnitude about 7%-12% of precipitation anomalies. Thus, latent heat flux anomalies are an important maintenance mechanism for MJO convection through the column moist static energy budget. A composite analysis during boreal summer over the eastern north Pacific also supports the idea that wind-induced surface flux is important for MJO maintenance there. We also show the surface fluxes help moisten the atmosphere in advance of diurnal convective disturbances that propagate offshore from the Colombian Coast during boreal summer, helping to sustain such convection.  </p>

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