Bow Echo Mesovortices. Part I: Processes That Influence Their Damaging Potential

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (5) ◽  
pp. 1497-1513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolan T. Atkins ◽  
Michael St. Laurent
Keyword(s):  
Cold Pool ◽  
Horizontal Shear ◽  
Saint Louis ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Bow Echo ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relative Wind

Abstract This two-part study examines the damaging potential and genesis of low-level, meso-γ-scale mesovortices formed within bow echoes. This was accomplished by analyzing quasi-idealized simulations of the 10 June 2003 Saint Louis bow echo event observed during the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX). This bow echo produced both damaging and nondamaging mesovortices. A series of sensitivity simulations were performed to assess the impact of low- and midlevel shear, cold-pool strength, and Coriolis forcing on mesovortex strength. By analyzing the amount of circulation, maximum vertical vorticity, and number of mesovortices produced at the lowest grid level, it was observed that more numerous and stronger mesovortices were formed when the low-level environmental shear nearly balanced the horizontal shear produced by the cold pool. As the magnitude of deeper layer shear increased, the number and strength of mesovortices increased. Larger Coriolis forcing and stronger cold pools also produced stronger mesovortices. Variability of ground-relative wind speeds produced by mesovortices was noted in many of the experiments. It was observed that the strongest ground-relative wind speeds were produced by mesovortices that formed near the descending rear-inflow jet (RIJ). The strongest surface winds were located on the southern periphery of the mesovortex and were created by the superposition of the RIJ and mesovortex flows. Mesovortices formed prior to RIJ genesis or north and south of the RIJ core produced weaker ground-relative wind speeds. The forecast implications of these results are discussed. The genesis of the mesovortices is discussed in Part II.

Bow Echo Mesovortices. Part II: Their Genesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (5) ◽  
pp. 1514-1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolan T. Atkins ◽  
Michael St. Laurent
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Saint Louis ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Front Position ◽  
Bow Echo ◽  
Convective Scale ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Vortex

Abstract This two-part study examines the damaging potential and genesis of low-level, meso-γ-scale mesovortices formed within bow echoes. This was accomplished by analyzing quasi-idealized simulations of the 10 June 2003 Saint Louis bow echo event observed during the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX). In Part II of this study, mesovortex genesis was investigated for vortices formed at different stages of convective system evolution. During the early “cellular” stage, cyclonic mesovortices were observed. The cyclonic mesovortices formed from the tilting of baroclinic horizontal vorticity acquired by downdraft parcels entering the mesovortex. As the convective system evolved into a bow echo, cyclonic–anticyclonic mesovortex pairs were also observed. The vortex couplet was produced by a local updraft maximum that tilted baroclinically generated vortex lines upward into arches. The local updraft maximum was created by a convective-scale downdraft that produced an outward bulge in the gust front position. Cyclonic-only mesovortices were predominantly observed as the convective system evolved into the mature bow echo stage. Similar to the early cellular stage, these mesovortices formed from the tilting of baroclinic horizontal vorticity acquired by downdraft parcels entering the mesovortex. The downdraft parcels descended within the rear-inflow jet. The generality of the mesovortex genesis mechanisms was assessed by examining the structure of observed mesovortices in Doppler radar data. The mesovortex genesis mechanisms were also compared to others reported in the literature and the genesis of low-level mesocyclones in supercell thunderstorms.

scholarly journals Comparing Aerosol and Low-Level Moisture Influences on Supercell Tornadogenesis: Three-Dimensional Idealized Simulations

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 969-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Lerach ◽  
William R. Cotton
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Atmospheric Modeling ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Water Vapor Mixing Ratio ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Four three-dimensional, nested-grid numerical simulations were performed using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) to compare the effects of aerosols acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to those of low-level moisture [and thus convective available potential energy (CAPE)] on cold-pool evolution and tornadogenesis within an idealized supercell storm. The innermost grid possessed horizontal grid spacing of 111 m. The initial background profiles of CCN concentration and water vapor mixing ratio varied among the simulations (clean versus dusty and higher-moisture versus lower-moisture simulations). A fifth simulation was performed to factor out the impact of CAPE. The higher-moisture simulations produced spatially larger storms with stronger peak updrafts and low-level downdrafts, heavier precipitation, greater evaporative cooling, and stronger cold pools within the forward and rear flank downdrafts. Each simulated supercell produced a tornado-like vortex. However, the lower-moisture simulations produced stronger, longer-lived vortices, as they were associated with weaker cold pools and less negative buoyancy within the rear flank downdraft. Raindrop and hailstone concentrations (sizes) were reduced (increased) in the dusty simulations, resulting in less evaporative cooling and weaker cold pools compared to the clean simulations. With greater terminal fall speeds, the larger hydrometeors in the dusty simulations fell nearer to the storm’s core, positioning the cold pool closer to the main updraft. Tornadogenesis was related to the size, strength, and location of the cold pools produced by the forward and rear flank downdrafts. Not surprisingly, while the aerosol effect was evident, the influences of low-level moisture and CAPE had markedly larger impacts on tornadogenesis.

Impact of Graupel Parameterization Schemes on Idealized Bow Echo Simulations

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
pp. 1241-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca D. Adams-Selin ◽  
Susan C. van den Heever ◽  
Richard H. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Complete Removal ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Cooling Rates ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Bow Echo ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
Microphysical Processes

Abstract The effect of changes in microphysical cooling rates on bow echo development and longevity are examined through changes to graupel parameterization in the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW-WRF). Multiple simulations are performed that test the sensitivity to different graupel size distributions as well as the complete removal of graupel. It is found that size distributions with larger and denser, but fewer, graupel hydrometeors result in a weaker cold pool due to reduced microphysical cooling rates. This yields weaker midlevel (3–6 km) buoyancy and pressure perturbations, a later onset of more elevated rear inflow, and a weaker convective updraft. The convective updraft is also slower to tilt rearward, and thus bowing occurs later. Graupel size distributions with more numerous, smaller, and lighter hydrometeors result in larger microphysical cooling rates, stronger cold pools, more intense midlevel buoyancy and pressure gradients, and earlier onset of surface-based rear inflow; these systems develop bowing segments earlier. A sensitivity test with fast-falling but small graupel hydrometeors revealed that small mean size and slow fall speed both contribute to the strong cooling rates. Simulations entirely without graupel are initially weaker, because of limited contributions from cooling by melting of the slowly falling snow. However, over the next hour increased rates of melting snow result in an increasingly more intense system with new bowing. Results of the study indicate that the development of a bow echo is highly sensitive to microphysical processes, which presents a challenge to the prediction of these severe weather phenomena.

The Bow and Arrow Mesoscale Convective Structure

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 1648-1672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Keene ◽  
Russ S. Schumacher
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Horizontal Shear ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Bow And Arrow

Abstract The accurate prediction of warm-season convective systems and the heavy rainfall and severe weather associated with them remains a challenge for numerical weather prediction models. This study looks at a circumstance in which quasi-stationary convection forms perpendicular to, and above the cold-pool behind strong bow echoes. The authors refer to this phenomenon as a “bow and arrow” because on radar imagery the two convective lines resemble an archer’s bow and arrow. The “arrow” can produce heavy rainfall and severe weather, extending over hundreds of kilometers. These events are challenging to forecast because they require an accurate forecast of earlier convection and the effects of that convection on the environment. In this study, basic characteristics of 14 events are documented, and observations of 4 events are presented to identify common environmental conditions prior to the development of the back-building convection. Simulations of three cases using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) are analyzed in an attempt to understand the mechanisms responsible for initiating and maintaining the convective line. In each case, strong southwesterly flow (inducing warm air advection and gradual isentropic lifting), in addition to directional and speed convergence into the convective arrow appear to contribute to initiation of convection. The linear orientation of the arrow may be associated with a combination of increased wind speeds and horizontal shear in the arrow region. When these ingredients are combined with thermodynamic instability, there appears to be a greater possibility of formation and maintenance of a convective arrow behind a bow echo.

scholarly journals Origin and Maintenance of the Long-Lasting, Outer Mesoscale Convective System in Typhoon Fengshen (2008)

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (8) ◽  
pp. 2838-2859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buo-Fu Chen ◽  
Russell L. Elsberry ◽  
Cheng-Shang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Inner Core ◽  
Outer Region ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Rain Area ◽  
Characteristic Structure ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract Outer mesoscale convective systems (OMCSs) are long-lasting, heavy rainfall events separate from the inner-core rainfall that have previously been shown to occur in 22% of western North Pacific tropical cyclones (TCs). Environmental conditions accompanying the development of 62 OMCSs are contrasted with the conditions in TCs that do not include an OMCS. The development, kinematic structure, and maintenance mechanisms of an OMCS that occurred to the southwest of Typhoon Fengshen (2008) are studied with Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and the simulations indicate the low-level TC circulation was deflected around the Luzon terrain and caused an elongated, north–south moisture band to be displaced to the west such that the OMCS develops in the outer region of Fengshen rather than spiraling into the center. Strong northeasterly vertical wind shear contributed to frictional convergence in the boundary layer, and then the large moisture flux convergence in this moisture band led to the downstream development of the OMCS when the band interacted with the monsoon flow. As the OMCS developed in the region of low-level monsoon westerlies and midlevel northerlies associated with the outer circulation of Fengshen, the characteristic structure of a rear-fed inflow with a leading stratiform rain area in the cross-line direction (toward the south) was established. A cold pool (Δθ < −3 K) associated with the large stratiform precipitation region led to continuous formation of new cells at the leading edge of the cold pool, which contributed to the long duration of the OMCS.

scholarly journals Sensitivity of a Bowing Mesoscale Convective System to Horizontal Grid Spacing in a Convection-Allowing Ensemble

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
John R. Lawson ◽  
William A. Gallus ◽  
Corey K. Potvin
Keyword(s):  
Mesoscale Convective System ◽  
Real Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Grid Spacing ◽  
Structure Amplitude ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Bow Echo ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Horizontal Grid

The bow echo, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) responsible for much hail and wind damage across the United States, is associated with poor skill in convection-allowing numerical model forecasts. Given the decrease in convection-allowing grid spacings within many operational forecasting systems, we investigate the effect of finer resolution on the character of bowing-MCS development in a real-data numerical simulation. Two ensembles were generated: one with a single domain of 3-km horizontal grid spacing, and another nesting a 1-km domain with two-way feedback. Ensemble members were generated from their control member with a stochastic kinetic-energy backscatter scheme, with identical initial and lateral-boundary conditions. Results suggest that resolution reduces hindcast skill of this MCS, as measured with an adaptation of the object-based Structure–Amplitude–Location method. The nested 1-km ensemble produces a faster system than in both the 3-km ensemble and observations. The nested 1-km simulation also produced stronger cold pools, which could be enhanced by the increased (fractal) cloud surface area with higher resolution, allowing more entrainment of dry air and hence increased evaporative cooling.

Bow Echo Sensitivity to Ambient Moisture and Cold Pool Strength

2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 950-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard P. James ◽  
Paul M. Markowski ◽  
J. Michael Fritsch
Keyword(s):  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Convective System ◽  
Cold Air ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Bow Echo ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Water Vapor Mixing Ratio

Abstract Bow echo development within quasi-linear convective systems is investigated using a storm-scale numerical model. A strong sensitivity to the ambient water vapor mixing ratio is demonstrated. Relatively dry conditions at low and midlevels favor intense cold-air production and strong cold pool development, leading to upshear-tilted, “slab-like” convection for various magnitudes of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and low-level shear. High relative humidity in the environment tends to reduce the rate of production of cold air, leading to weak cold pools and downshear-tilted convective systems, with primarily cell-scale three-dimensionality in the convective region. At intermediate moisture contents, long-lived, coherent bowing segments are generated within the convective line. In general, the scale of the coherent three-dimensional structures increases with increasing cold pool strength. The bowing lines are characterized in their developing and mature stages by segments of the convective line measuring 15–40 km in length over which the cold pool is much stronger than at other locations along the line. The growth of bow echo structures within a linear convective system appears to depend critically on the local strengthening of the cold pool to the extent that the convection becomes locally upshear tilted. A positive feedback process is thereby initiated, allowing the intensification of the bow echo. If the environment favors an excessively strong cold pool, however, the entire line becomes uniformly upshear tilted relatively quickly, and the along-line heterogeneity of the bowing line is lost.

scholarly journals On the Creation and Evolution of Small-Scale Low-Level Vorticity Anomalies during Tropical Cyclogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 2335-2355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren P. Smith ◽  
Melville E. Nicholls
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Tropical Cyclogenesis ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Convective Scale ◽  
Vortical Hot Towers ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Vortex Merger

Abstract Recent numerical modeling and observational studies indicate the importance of vortical hot towers (VHTs) in the transformation of a tropical disturbance to a tropical depression. It has recently been recognized that convective-scale downdraft outflows that form within VHTs also preferentially develop positive vertical vorticity around their edges, which is considerably larger in magnitude than ambient values. During a numerical simulation of tropical cyclogenesis it is found that particularly strong low-level convectively induced vorticity anomalies (LCVAs) occasionally form as convection acts on the enhanced vorticity at the edges of cold pools. These features cycle about the larger-scale circulation and are associated with a coincident pressure depression and low-level wind intensification. The LCVAs studied are considerably deeper than the vorticity produced at the edges of VHT cold pool outflows, and their evolution is associated with persistent convection and vortex merger events that act to sustain them. Herein, we highlight the formation and evolution of two representative LCVAs and discuss the environmental parameters that eventually become favorable for one LCVA to reach the center of a larger-scale circulation as tropical cyclogenesis occurs.

Prediction of Tornado-Like Vortex (TLV) Embedded in the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City Tornadic Supercell Initialized from the Subkilometer Grid Spacing Analysis Produced by the Dual-Resolution GSI-Based EnVar Data Assimilation System

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (7) ◽  
pp. 2909-2934
Author(s):  
Yongming Wang ◽  
Xuguang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Intensity Variation ◽  
Oklahoma City ◽  
Grid Spacing ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Explicit forecasts of a tornado-like vortex (TLV) require subkilometer grid spacing because of their small size. Most previous TLV prediction studies started from interpolated kilometer grid spacing initial conditions (ICs) rather than subkilometer grid spacing ICs. The tornadoes embedded in the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City tornadic supercell are used to understand the impact of IC resolution on TLV predictions. Two ICs at 500-m and 2-km grid spacings are, respectively, produced through an efficient dual-resolution (DR) and a single-coarse-resolution (SCR) EnVar ingesting a 2-km ensemble. Both experiments launch 1-h forecasts at 500-m grid spacing. Diagnostics of data assimilation (DA) cycling reveal DR produces stronger and broader rear-flank cold pools, more intense downdrafts and updrafts with finer scales, and more hydrometeors at high altitudes through accumulated differences between two DA algorithms. Relative differences in DR, compared to SCR, include the integration from higher-resolution analyses, the update for higher-resolution backgrounds, and the propagation of ensemble perturbations along higher-resolution model trajectory. Predictions for storm morphology and cold pools are more realistic in DR than in SCR. The DR-TLV tracks match better with the observed tornado tracks than SCR-TLV in timing of intensity variation, and in duration. Additional experiments suggest 1) the analyzed kinematic variables strongly influence timing of intensity variation through affecting both low-level rear-flank outflow and midlevel updraft; 2) potential temperature analysis by DR extends the second track’s duration consistent with enhanced low-level stretching, delayed broadening large-scale downdraft, and (or) increased near-surface baroclinic vorticity supply; and 3) hydrometeor analyses have little impact on TLV predictions.

Cold Pool and Precipitation Responses to Aerosol Loading: Modulation by Dry Layers

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 1398-1408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah D. Grant ◽  
Susan C. van den Heever
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Droplet ◽  
Convective Precipitation ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Moisture Profile ◽  
Positive Feedbacks ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Aerosol Loading ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Moving Storm

Abstract The relative sensitivity of midlatitude deep convective precipitation to aerosols and midlevel dry layers has been investigated in this study using high-resolution cloud-resolving model simulations. Nine simulations, including combinations of three moisture profiles and three aerosol number concentration profiles, were performed. Because of the veering wind profile of the initial sounding, the convection splits into a left-moving storm that is multicellular in nature and a right-moving storm, a supercell, which are analyzed separately. The results demonstrate that while changes to the moisture profile always induce larger changes in precipitation than do variations in aerosol concentrations, multicells are sensitive to aerosol perturbations whereas supercells are less so. The multicellular precipitation sensitivity arises through aerosol impacts on the cold pool forcing. It is shown that the altitude of the dry layer influences whether cold pools are stronger or weaker and hence whether precipitation increases or decreases with increasing aerosol concentrations. When the dry-layer altitude is located near cloud base, cloud droplet evaporation rates and hence latent cooling rates are greater with higher aerosol loading, which results in stronger low-level downdrafts and cold pools. However, when the dry-layer altitude is located higher above cloud base, the low-level downdrafts and cold pools are weaker with higher aerosol loading because of reduced raindrop evaporation rates. The changes to the cold pool strength initiate positive feedbacks that further modify the cold pool strength and subsequent precipitation totals. Aerosol impacts on deep convection are therefore found to be modulated by the altitude of the dry layer and to vary inversely with the storm organization.

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