A Comparison of the Vorticity Dynamics Governing the Oceanic Bomb Cyclone of 4–5 January 1989 and the Super Derecho of 8 May 2009

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3081-3103
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Galarneau Jr. ◽  
Morris L. Weisman
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Basic Structure ◽  
Lateral Transport ◽  
Cyclone Center ◽  
Vertical Vorticity ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Vorticity Dynamics ◽  
The Subject

Abstract Convection-allowing simulations of two warm seclusion cyclones are used to elucidate the vorticity dynamics that contribute to intensification of these systems. The rapidly intensifying oceanic “bomb” cyclone on 4–5 January 1989 and the super derecho on 8 May 2009 are the subject of this study. While these systems occupy different spatial scales, they both acquire characteristics of a warm seclusion cyclone. The aim of this study is to compare the basic structure and determine the dynamics driving increases in system-scale vertical vorticity during the intensification of these systems. Results from a vorticity budget show that system-scale stretching and the lateral transport of vertical vorticity to the cyclone center contribute to increases of system-scale low-level vertical vorticity during the intensification of the oceanic cyclone. The intercomparison of the oceanic cyclone and the super derecho shows that the relative contributions to increases in system-scale vertical vorticity by stretching and tilting as a function of height differ among the two cases. However, the lateral transport of vertical vorticity to the cyclone center is a key contributor to increases in low-level system-scale vertical vorticity for both cases. We hypothesize that this process may be common among a wide array of intense cyclonic systems across scales ranging from warm seclusion extratropical cyclones to some mesoscale convective systems.

scholarly journals Origins of Vorticity in a Simulated Tornadic Mesovortex Observed during PECAN on 6 July 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Flournoy ◽  
Michael C. Coniglio
Keyword(s):  
Convective System ◽  
Vertical Vorticity ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
The North ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Forecasting System ◽  
Convection Initiation ◽  
Inflow Jet ◽  
Gust Front

To better understand and forecast nocturnal thunderstorms and their hazards, an expansive network of fixed and mobile observing systems was deployed in the summer of 2015 for the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field experiment to observe low-level jets, convection initiation, bores, and mesoscale convective systems. On 5–6 July 2015, mobile radars and ground-based surface and upper-air profiling systems sampled a nocturnal, quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) over South Dakota. The QLCS produced several severe wind reports and an EF-0 tornado. The QLCS and its environment leading up to the mesovortex that produced this tornado were well observed by the PECAN observing network. In this study, observations from radiosondes, Doppler radars, and aircraft are assimilated into an ensemble analysis and forecasting system to analyze this event with a focus on the development of the observed tornadic mesovortex. All ensemble members simulated low-level mesovortices with one member in particular generating two mesovortices in a manner very similar to that observed. Forecasts from this member were analyzed to examine the processes increasing vertical vorticity during the development of the tornadic mesovortex. Cyclonic vertical vorticity was traced to three separate airstreams: the first from southerly inflow that was characterized by tilting of predominantly crosswise horizontal vorticity along the gust front, the second from the north that imported streamwise horizontal vorticity directly into the low-level updraft, and the third from a localized downdraft/rear-inflow jet in which the horizontal vorticity became streamwise during descent. The cyclonic vertical vorticity then intensified rapidly through intense stretching as the parcels entered the low-level updraft of the developing mesovortex.

scholarly journals An Observational Study of Mesoscale Convective Systems with Heavy Rainfall over the Korean Peninsula

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung Woo Kim ◽  
Dong Kyou Lee
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Korean Peninsula ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Vertical Wind ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract A heavy rainfall event induced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred over the middle Korean Peninsula from 25 to 27 July 1996. This heavy rainfall caused a large loss of life and property damage as a result of flash floods and landslides. An observational study was conducted using Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data from 0930 UTC 26 July to 0303 UTC 27 July 1996. Dominant synoptic features in this case had many similarities to those in previous studies, such as the presence of a quasi-stationary frontal system, a weak upper-level trough, sufficient moisture transportation by a low-level jet from a tropical storm landfall, strong potential and convective instability, and strong vertical wind shear. The thermodynamic characteristics and wind shear presented favorable conditions for a heavy rainfall occurrence. The early convective cells in the MCSs initiated over the coastal area, facilitated by the mesoscale boundaries of the land–sea contrast, rain–no rain regions, saturated–unsaturated soils, and steep horizontal pressure and thermal gradients. Two MCSs passed through the heavy rainfall regions during the investigation period. The first MCS initiated at 1000 UTC 26 July and had the characteristics of a supercell storm with small amounts of precipitation, the appearance of a mesocyclone with tilting storm, a rear-inflow jet at the midlevel of the storm, and fast forward propagation. The second MCS initiated over the upstream area of the first MCS at 1800 UTC 26 July and had the characteristics of a multicell storm, such as a broken areal-type squall line, slow or quasi-stationary backward propagation, heavy rainfall in a concentrated area due to the merging of the convective storms, and a stagnated cluster system. These systems merged and stagnated because their movement was blocked by the Taebaek Mountain Range, and they continued to develop because of the vertical wind shear resulting from a low-level easterly inflow.

scholarly journals Assimilation of Satellite-Derived Soil Moisture for Improved Forecasts of the Great Plains Low-Level Jet

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (11) ◽  
pp. 4607-4627
Author(s):  
Craig R. Ferguson ◽  
Shubhi Agrawal ◽  
Mark C. Beauharnois ◽  
Geng Xia ◽  
D. Alex Burrows ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
South Central ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

AbstractIn the context of forecasting societally impactful Great Plains low-level jets (GPLLJs), the potential added value of satellite soil moisture (SM) data assimilation (DA) is high. GPLLJs are both sensitive to regional soil moisture gradients and frequent drivers of severe weather, including mesoscale convective systems. An untested hypothesis is that SM DA is more effective in forecasts of weakly synoptically forced, or uncoupled GPLLJs, than in forecasts of cyclone-induced coupled GPLLJs. Using the NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF) Model, 75 GPLLJs are simulated at 9-km resolution both with and without NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive SM DA. Differences in modeled SM, surface sensible (SH) and latent heat (LH) fluxes, 2-m temperature (T2), 2-m humidity (Q2), PBL height (PBLH), and 850-hPa wind speed (W850) are quantified for individual jets and jet-type event subsets over the south-central Great Plains, as well as separately for each GPLLJ sector (entrance, core, and exit). At the GPLLJ core, DA-related changes of up to 5.4 kg m−2 in SM can result in T2, Q2, LH, SH, PBLH, and W850 differences of 0.68°C, 0.71 g kg−2, 59.9 W m−2, 52.4 W m−2, 240 m, and 4 m s−1, respectively. W850 differences focus along the jet axis and tend to increase from south to north. Jet-type differences are most evident at the GPLLJ exit where DA increases and decreases W850 in uncoupled and coupled GPLLJs, respectively. Data assimilation marginally reduces negative wind speed bias for all jets, but the correction is greater for uncoupled GPLLJs, as hypothesized.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Formation of a Synoptic Situation Causing Sudden Turning of Mesoscale Convective Systems over South China

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Zhaoming Liang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Jinfang Yin
Keyword(s):  
Eastern China ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Northwestern Pacific ◽  
Synoptic Situation ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Northwestern Pacific Ocean ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Turning Motion

The characteristics and formation of a synoptic situation that causes a sudden turning motion of warm-sector mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over South China are described, based on the collection and investigation of associated cases during April–June 2011–2017 using high-resolution observational data and ERA (ECMWF Re-Analysis)-Interim data. The results show that the blocking of a marked low-level high over eastern China (eastern high) on a strengthening low-level trough over southwestern China (southwestern trough) results in significant enhancement of southerly winds ahead of the trough, which produces a strong southeastward vertical wind shear at low levels near western Guangdong province. This low-level vertical wind shear results in sudden southeastward turning motion for the warm-sector MCSs entering into Guangdong province from Guangxi province. The formation of the eastern high is mainly attributable to the strong cyclonic wind anomaly over the northwestern Pacific Ocean, which continuously brings cold air from higher latitudes to eastern China, where high synoptic-scale transient anomaly of geopotential height (SSTA-GH) forms. This cyclonic wind anomaly is induced by a low SSTA-GH, which travels from the north and south sides of the Tibetan Plateau to the northwestern Pacific Ocean and develops significantly as a result of a strong upper-level low SSTA-GH coupling with it or approaching it. On the other hand, the high SSTA-GH over eastern China blocks the eastward extension of the low SSTA-GH originating from the Tibetan Plateau. Consequently, this low SSTA-GH turns to extend or move southeastward/southward to southwestern China, leading to intensification of the southwestern trough.

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.

scholarly journals Observational Analysis of the Predictability of Mesoscale Convective Systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 813-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Israel L. Jirak ◽  
William R. Cotton
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vertical Wind ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Initiation ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) have a large influence on the weather over the central United States during the warm season by generating essential rainfall and severe weather. To gain insight into the predictability of these systems, the precursor environments of several hundred MCSs across the United States were reviewed during the warm seasons of 1996–98. Surface analyses were used to identify initiating mechanisms for each system, and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data were used to examine the environment prior to MCS development. Similarly, environments unable to support organized convective systems were also investigated for comparison with MCS precursor environments. Significant differences were found between environments that support MCS development and those that do not support convective organization. MCSs were most commonly initiated by frontal boundaries; however, features that enhance convective initiation are often not sufficient for MCS development, as the environment needs also to be supportive for the development and organization of long-lived convective systems. Low-level warm air advection, low-level vertical wind shear, and convective instability were found to be the most important parameters in determining whether concentrated convection would undergo upscale growth into an MCS. Based on these results, an index was developed for use in forecasting MCSs. The MCS index assigns a likelihood of MCS development based on three terms: 700-hPa temperature advection, 0–3-km vertical wind shear, and the lifted index. An evaluation of the MCS index revealed that it exhibits features consistent with common MCS characteristics and is reasonably accurate in forecasting MCSs, especially given that convective initiation has occurred, offering the possibility of usefulness in operational forecasting.

scholarly journals Seasonality and Trends of Drivers of Mesoscale Convective Systems in Southern West Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-87
Author(s):  
Cornelia Klein ◽  
Francis Nkrumah ◽  
Christopher M. Taylor ◽  
Elijah A. Adefisan
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
West African Monsoon ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Temperature Gradients ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

AbstractMesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are the major source of extreme rainfall over land in the tropics and are expected to intensify with global warming. In the Sahel, changes in surface temperature gradients and associated changes in wind shear have been found to be important for MCS intensification in recent decades. Here we extend that analysis to southern West Africa (SWA) by combining 34 years of cloud-top temperatures with rainfall and reanalysis data. We identify clear trends in intense MCSs since 1983 and their associated atmospheric drivers. We also find a marked annual cycle in the drivers, linked to changes in the convective regime during the progression of the West African monsoon. Before the peak of the first rainy season, we identify a shear regime where increased temperature gradients play a crucial role for MCS intensity trends. From June onward, SWA moves into a less unstable, moist regime during which MCS trends are mainly linked to frequency increase and may be more influenced by total column water vapor. However, during both seasons we find that MCSs with the most intense convection occur in an environment with stronger wind shear, increased low-level humidity, and drier midlevels. Comparing the sensitivity of MCS intensity and peak rainfall to low-level moisture and wind shear conditions preceding events, we find a dominant role for wind shear. We conclude that MCS trends are directly linked to a strengthening of two distinct convective regimes that cause the seasonal change of SWA MCS characteristics. However, the convective environment that ultimately produces the most intense MCSs remains the same.

Organizational Modes of Mesoscale Convective Systems over Central East China

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1081-1098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Zheng ◽  
Jianhua Sun ◽  
Xiaoling Zhang ◽  
Changhai Liu
Keyword(s):  
Severe Weather ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
East China ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Intense Precipitation ◽  
Stratiform Precipitation ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
High Winds

Abstract Composite reflectivity Doppler radar data from June to September of 2007–2010 were used to classify mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over central east China into seven morphologies. The morphologies included one nonlinear mode (NL) and six linear modes: convective lines with no stratiform precipitation (NS), trailing stratiform precipitation (TS), leading stratiform precipitation (LS), parallel stratiform precipitation (PS), bow echoes (BE), and embedded lines (EL). Nonlinear and linear systems composed 44.7% and 55.3% of total MCSs, respectively, but there was no primary linear mode. All MCS morphologies attained their peak occurrence in July, except BE systems, which peaked in June. On average, TS and PS modes had relatively longer lifespans than did other modes. Significant differences in MCS-produced severe weather existed between dry and moist environments. High winds and hail events were mainly observed in dry environments, and in contrast, short-term intense precipitation occurred more frequently in moist environments. BE systems generated the most severe weather on average, while most TS systems were attendant with short-term intense precipitation and high winds. EL and PS systems were most frequently associated with extreme short-time intense precipitation (≥50 mm h−1) as these systems preferentially developed in moist environments. BE systems generally occurred under strong low-level shear and intermediately moist conditions. LS systems were observed in weak low-level shear, whereas EL systems often developed in relatively stable conditions and weak low- to middle-level shear. The largest instability was present in the environment for NS systems. The environmental parameters for TS systems featured the largest differences between the dry and moist cases.

scholarly journals Mesoscale Convection and Bimodal Cyclogenesis over the Bay of Bengal

2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (9) ◽  
pp. 3495-3517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasreen Akter
Keyword(s):  
Bay Of Bengal ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Squall Line ◽  
Convergence Zone ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Long Time

Abstract Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are an essential component of cyclogenesis, and their structure and characteristics determine the intensity and severity of associated cyclones. Case studies were performed by simulating tropical cyclones that formed during the pre- and postmonsoon periods in 2007 and 2010 over the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The pre- (post) monsoon environment was characterized by the coupling of northwesterly (southwesterly) wind to the early advance southwesterly (northeasterly) monsoonal wind in the BoB. The surges of low-level warm southwesterlies with clockwise-rotating vertical shear in the premonsoon period and moderately cool northeasterlies with anticlockwise-rotating vertical shear in the postmonsoon period transported moisture and triggered MCSs within preexisting disturbances near the monsoon trough over the BoB. Mature MCSs associated with bimodal cyclone formations were quasi linear, and they featured leading-edge deep convection and a trailing stratiform precipitation region, which was very narrow in the postmonsoon cases. In the premonsoon cases, the MCSs became severe bow echoes when intense and moist southwesterlies were imposed along the dryline convergence zone in the northern and northwestern BoB. However, the development formed a nonsevere and nonorganized linear system when the convergence zone was farther south of the dryline. In the postmonsoon cases, cyclogenesis was favored by squall-line MCSs with a north–south orientation over the BoB. All convective systems moved quickly, persisted for a long time, and contained suitable environments for developing low-level cyclonic mesovortices at their leading edges, which played an additional role in forming mesoscale convective vortices during cyclogenesis in the BoB.

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