scholarly journals Mesoscale convective systems as a source of electromagnetic signals registered by ground-based system and DEMETER (Detection of Electro-Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions) satellite

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-326
Author(s):  
Karol Martynski ◽  
Jan Blecki ◽  
Roman Wronowski ◽  
Andrzej Kulak ◽  
Janusz Mlynarczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Electromagnetic Signals ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Atmospheric Discharges

Abstract. Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are especially visible in the summertime when there is an advection of warm maritime air from the west. Advection of air masses is enriched by water vapour, the source of which can be found over the Mediterranean Sea. In propitious atmospheric conditions, and thus significant convection, atmospheric instability or strong vertical thermal gradient leads to the development of strong thunderstorm systems. In this paper, we discuss one case of MCSs, which generated a significant amount of +CG (cloud-to-ground), −CG and intracloud (IC) discharges. We have focused on the ELF (extremely low frequency; < 1 kHz) electromagnetic field measurements, since they allow us to compute the charge moments of atmospheric discharges. Identification of the MCSs is a complex process, due to many variables which have to be taken into account. For our research, we took into consideration a few tools, such as cloud reflectivity, atmospheric soundings and data provided by PERUN (Polish system of the discharge localisation system), which operates in a very high frequency (VHF) range (113.5–114.5 MHz). Combining the above-described measurement systems and tools, we identified a MCS which occurred in Poland on 23 July 2009. Furthermore, it fulfilled our requirements since the thunderstorm crossed the path of the DEMETER (Detection of Electro-Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions) overpass.

scholarly journals Mesoscale Convective Systems as a source of electromagnetic signals registered by ground-based system and DEMETER satellite

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Martynski ◽  
Jan Blecki ◽  
Roman Wronowski ◽  
Andrzej Kulak ◽  
Janusz Mlynarczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
The West ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Demeter Satellite ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Electromagnetic Signals ◽  
Maritime Air

Abstract. Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) are especially visible in the summertime, when there is an advection of warm maritime air from the West. Advection of air masses is enriched by water vapour, which source can be found over the Mediterranean Sea. In propitious atmospheric conditions, thus significant convection, atmospheric instability or strong vertical thermal gradient, lead to the development of strong thunderstorm systems. In this paper we discuss one case of MCS, which generated a significant amount of +CG, -CG and IC discharges. We have focused on the ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies,

Impact of Convectively Generated Low-Frequency Gravity Waves on Evolution of Mesoscale Convective Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (10) ◽  
pp. 3441-3460
Author(s):  
Rebecca D. Adams-Selin
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Mature Stage ◽  
First Order ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Stratiform Region ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Wave Modes

AbstractIdealized numerical simulations of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over a range of instabilities and shears were conducted to examine low-frequency gravity waves generated during initial and mature stages of convection. In all simulations, at initial updraft development a first-order wave was generated by heating extending through the depth of the troposphere. Additional first-order wave modes were generated each time the convective updraft reintensified. Each of these waves stabilized the environment in advance of the system. As precipitation descended below cloud base, and as a stratiform precipitation region developed, second-order wave modes were generated by cooling extending from the midlevels to the surface. These waves destabilized the environment ahead of the system but weakened the 0–5 km shear. Third-order wave modes could be generated by midlevel cooling caused by rear inflow intensification; these wave modes cooled the midlevels destabilizing the environment. The developing stage of each MCS was characterized by a cyclical process: developing updraft, generation of n = 1 wave, increase in precipitation, generation of n = 2 wave, and subsequent environmental destabilization reinvigorating the updraft. After rearward expansion of the stratiform region, the MCSs entered their mature stage and the method of updraft reinvigoration shifted to absorbing discrete convective cells produced in advance of each system. Higher-order wave modes destabilized the environment, making it more favorable to development of these cells and maintenance of the MCS. As initial simulation shear or instability increased, the transition from cyclical wave/updraft development to discrete cell/updraft development occurred more quickly.

scholarly journals Tropical Atlantic Hurricanes, Easterly Waves, and West African Mesoscale Convective Systems

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves K. Kouadio ◽  
Luiz A. T. Machado ◽  
Jacques Servain
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
West African ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Tropical Atlantic ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Easterly Waves ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Sst Anomaly ◽  
Atlantic Hurricanes

The relationship between tropical Atlantic hurricanes (Hs), atmospheric easterly waves (AEWs), and West African mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is investigated. It points out atmospheric conditions over West Africa before hurricane formation. The analysis was performed for two periods, June–November in 2004 and 2005, during which 12 hurricanes (seven in 2004, five in 2005) were selected. Using the AEW signature in the 700 hPa vorticity, a backward trajectory was performed to the African coast, starting from the date and position of each hurricane, when and where it was catalogued as a tropical depression. At this step, using the Meteosat-7 satellite dataset, we selected all the MCSs around this time and region, and tracked them from their initiation until their dissipation. This procedure allowed us to relate each of the selected Hs with AEWs and a succession of MCSs that occurred a few times over West Africa before initiation of the hurricane. Finally, a dipole in sea surface temperature (SST) was observed with a positive SST anomaly within the region of H generation and a negative SST anomaly within the Gulf of Guinea. This SST anomaly dipole could contribute to enhance the continental convergence associated with the monsoon that impacts on the West African MCSs formation.

scholarly journals Total Lightning Characteristics Relative to Radar and Satellite Observations of Oklahoma Mesoscale Convective Systems

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 1593-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Makowski ◽  
Donald R. MacGorman ◽  
Michael I. Biggerstaff ◽  
William H. Beasley
Keyword(s):  
Early Morning ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Maximum Area ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Lightning Detection ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Total Lightning ◽  
Cloud Tops ◽  
Mapping Arrays

Abstract The advent of regional very high frequency (VHF) Lightning Mapping Arrays (LMAs) makes it possible to begin analyzing trends in total lightning characteristics in ensembles of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Flash initiations observed by the Oklahoma LMA and ground strikes observed by the National Lightning Detection Network were surveyed relative to infrared satellite and base-scan radar reflectivity imagery for 30 mesoscale convective systems occurring over a 7-yr period. Total lightning data were available for only part of the life cycle of most MCSs, but well-defined peaks in flash rates were usually observed for MCSs having longer periods of data. The mean of the maximum 10-min flash rates for the ensemble of MCSs was 203 min−1 for total flashes and 41 min−1 for cloud-to-ground flashes (CGs). In total, 21% of flashes were CGs and 13% of CGs lowered positive charge to ground. MCSs with the largest maximum flash rates entered Oklahoma in the evening before midnight. All three MCSs entering Oklahoma in early morning after sunrise had among the smallest maximum flash rates. Flash initiations were concentrated in or near regions of larger reflectivity and colder cloud tops. The CG flash rates and total flash rates frequently evolved similarly, although the fraction of flashes striking ground usually increased as an MCS decayed. Total flash rates tended to peak approximately 90 min before the maximum area of the −52°C cloud shield, but closer in time to the maximum area of colder cloud shields. MCSs whose −52°C cloud shield grew faster tended to have larger flash rates.

scholarly journals Mesoscale Convective Systems Monitoring on the Basis of MSG Data – Case Studies

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-103
Author(s):  
K. Szafranek ◽  
B. Jakubiak ◽  
R. Lech ◽  
M. Tomczuk
Keyword(s):  
System Development ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Temperature Threshold ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract Analysis described in the paper were made in the frame of the PROZA (Operational decisionmaking based on atmospheric conditions, http://projekt-proza.pl/) project co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. One of its tasks was to develop an operational forecast system, which is going to support different economies branches like forestry or fruit farming by reducing the risk of economic decisions with taking into consideration weather conditions. The main purpose of the paper is to describe the method of the MCSs (Mesoscale Convective Systems) tracking on the basis of the MSG (Meteosat Second Generation) data. Until now several tests were performed. The Meteosat satellite images in selected spectral channels collected for Central Europe Region for May 2010 were used to detect and track cloud systems recognized as MCSs in Poland. The ISIS tracking method was applied here. First the cloud objects are defined using the temperature threshold and next the selected cells are tracked using principle of overlapping position on consecutive images. The main benefit of using a temperature threshold to define cells is its efficiency. During the tracking process the algorithm links the cells of the image at time t to the one of the following image at time t+dt that correspond to the same cloud system. Selected cases present phenomena, which appeared at the territory of Poland. They were compared to the weather radar data and UKMO UM (United Kingdom MetOffice Unified Model) forecasts. The paper presents analysis of exemplary MCSs in the context of near realtime prediction system development and proves that developed tool can be helpful in MCSs monitoring.

Effect of Stratiform Heating on the Planetary-Scale Organization of Tropical Convection

2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 371-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Deng ◽  
Boualem Khouider ◽  
Andrew J. Majda ◽  
R. S. Ajayamohan
Keyword(s):  
Deep Convection ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Warm Pool ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Planetary Scale ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract It is widely recognized that stratiform heating contributes significantly to tropical rainfall and to the dynamics of tropical convective systems by inducing a front-to-rear tilt in the heating profile. Precipitating stratiform anvils that form from deep convection play a central role in the dynamics of tropical mesoscale convective systems. The wide spreading of downdrafts that are induced by the evaporation of stratiform rain and originate from in the lower troposphere strengthens the recirculation of subsiding air in the neighborhood of the convection center and triggers cold pools and gravity currents in the boundary layer, leading to further lifting. Here, aquaplanet simulations with a warm pool–like surface forcing, based on a coarse-resolution GCM of approximately 170-km grid mesh, coupled with a stochastic multicloud parameterization, are used to demonstrate the importance of stratiform heating for the organization of convection on planetary and intraseasonal scales. When the model parameters, which control the heating fraction and decay time scale of the stratiform clouds, are set to produce higher stratiform heating, the model produces low-frequency and planetary-scale MJO-like wave disturbances, while parameters associated with lower-to-moderate stratiform heating yield mainly synoptic-scale convectively coupled Kelvin-like waves. Furthermore, it is shown that, when the effect of stratiform downdrafts is reduced in the model, the MJO-scale organization is weakened, and a transition to synoptic-scale organization appears despite the use of larger stratiform heating parameters. Rooted in the stratiform instability, it is conjectured here that the strength and extent of stratiform downdrafts are key contributors to the scale selection of convective organizations, perhaps with mechanisms that are, in essence, similar to those of mesoscale convective systems.

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