scholarly journals CAPE - A link amid thermodynamics and microphysics for the occurrence of severe thunderstorms

MAUSAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
SUTAPA CHAUDHURI ◽  
SUCHANDRA AICH BHOWMICK
Keyword(s):  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Cloud Microphysics ◽  
Large Drop ◽  
Neutral Buoyancy ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Cloud Microphysical Processes ◽  
Microphysical Processes ◽  
Drop Instability

Lkkj & bl 'kks/k&i= dk mÌs’; dksydkrk ¼22°32¢] 88°20¢½ esa ekulwu iwoZ _rq ¼vizSy&ebZ½ ds nkSjku xtZ ds lkFk vkus okys Hkh"k.k rwQkuksa dh mRifÙk vkSj fodkl esa lgk;d es?k dh lw{e HkkSfrdh; izfØ;kvksa dh tk¡p djuk gSA bl v/;;u ls ;g irk pyk gS fd dksydkrk esa ekulwu&iwoZ _rq ds nkSjku xtZ ds lkFk vkus okys Hkh"k.k rwQkuksa ds nkSjku rkixfrdh;] xfrdh;] es?k dh lw{e HkkSfrdh vkSj fctyh pdeus dks J`a[kykc) djus esa laoguh; miyC/k foHko ÅtkZ ¼lh- ,- ih- bZ-½ lgk;d gSA bl v/;;u ls izkIr gq, ifj.kkeksa ls ;g irk pyk gS fd dksydkrk esa laoguh; miyC/k foHko ÅtkZ 1000 twYl izfr fd- xzk- ds Hkhrj izcy ikbZ xbZ tks eqDr laogu Lrj ¼,y- ,Q- lh-½ ls Åij fu/kkZfjr nkc Lrjksa ds Hkhrj ikbZ xbZ vkSj ok;q dh viMªk¶V xfr ds ln`’k eku fu"izHkkoh mRIykodrk Lrj ¼,y- ,u- ch-½ esa yxHkx 30 - 50 eh-@ lsdsaM ik, x,A bl v/;;u ls ;g Hkh irk pyk gS fd 5 fe- eh- rd ds O;kl ds vkdkj dh c¡wns fLFkj jg ldrh gS ftlds ckn vkdkj c<+us ds dkj.k cw¡nsa VwV tkrh gSaA tc cw¡n dh f=T;k 2-5 fe- eh- ls 3 fe- eh- dh ifjf/k esa gksrh gS rc cw¡nksa dk VwVuk  'kq: gks tkrk gS vkSj 3 fe- eh- ls 5 fe- eh- dh ifjf/k esa cw¡nksa ds VwVus dh laHkkouk vf/kd gksrh gS D;ksfd bl fLFkfr esa cw¡nksa ds yxkrkj VwVus dh dkj.k mudk thoudky cgqr NksVk gks tkrk gSA  The aim of the present paper is to view the cloud microphysical processes entailed in the genesis and the development of the severe thunderstorms of pre-monsoon season (April - May) over Kolkata (22°32', 88°20'). The study shows that Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) is instrumental in establishing a linkage among thermodynamics, dynamics, cloud microphysics, and lightning during severe thunderstorm of pre monsoon season over Kolkata. The results of the present study reveal that for the thunderstorms reported over Kolkata, CAPE are found to be predominantly within 1000 joules per kgs within the prescribed pressure levels above the Level of Free Convection (LFC) and the corresponding values of the updraft speeds of the air are found to be nearly 30 - 50 m/s at the Level of Neutral Buoyancy (LNB). The study also depicts that the drops may grow up to the size of 5mm in diameter stably, beyond which, they tend to breakup due to the large drop instability. The breakup or splitting is observed to initiate when the drop radius is within the range of 2.5mm to 3mm and the breakup is most likely within the range of 3mm to 5mm because at this stage the lifetime of the drops are short due to the spontaneous breakup.  

CHAOTIC GRAPH THEORY APPROACH FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CONVECTIVE AVAILABLE POTENTIAL ENERGY (CAPE) PATTERNS REQUIRED FOR THE GENESIS OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (03) ◽  
pp. 413-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUTAPA CHAUDHURI
Keyword(s):  
Graph Theory ◽  
Potential Energy ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Available Potential Energy ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Conditional Instability

Severe thunderstorms are a manifestation of deep convection. Conditional instability is known to be the mechanism by which thunderstorms are formed. The energy that drives conditional instability is convective available potential energy (CAPE), which is computed with radio sonde data at each pressure level. The purpose of the present paper is to identify the pattern or shape of CAPE required for the genesis of severe thunderstorms over Kolkata (22°32′N, 88°20′E) confined within the northeastern part (20°N to 24°N latitude, 85°E to 93°E longitude) of India. The method of chaotic graph theory is adopted for this purpose. Chaotic graphs of pressure levels and CAPE are formed for thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm days. Ranks of the adjacency matrices constituted with the union of chaotic graphs of pressure levels and CAPE are computed for thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm days. The results reveal that the rank of the adjacency matrix is maximum for non-thunderstorm days and a column with all zeros occurs very quickly on severe thunderstorms days. This indicates that CAPE loses connectivity with pressure levels very early on severe thunderstorm days, showing that for the genesis of severe thunderstorms over Kolkata short, and therefore broad, CAPE is preferred.

scholarly journals Future Australian Severe Thunderstorm Environments. Part I: A Novel Evaluation and Climatology of Convective Parameters from Two Climate Models for the Late Twentieth Century

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 3827-3847 ◽  
Author(s):  
John T. Allen ◽  
David J. Karoly ◽  
Kevin J. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Vertical Wind ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
Late Twentieth Century

Abstract The influence of a warming climate on the occurrence of severe thunderstorms over Australia is, as yet, poorly understood. Based on methods used in the development of a climatology of observed severe thunderstorm environments over the continent, two climate models [Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Mark, version 3.6 (CSIRO Mk3.6) and the Cubic-Conformal Atmospheric Model (CCAM)] have been used to produce simulated climatologies of ingredients and environments favorable to severe thunderstorms for the late twentieth century (1980–2000). A novel evaluation of these model climatologies against data from both the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and reports of severe thunderstorms from observers is used to analyze the capability of the models to represent convective environments in the current climate. This evaluation examines the representation of thunderstorm-favorable environments in terms of their frequency, seasonal cycle, and spatial distribution, while presenting a framework for future evaluations of climate model convective parameters. Both models showed the capability to explain at least 75% of the spatial variance in both vertical wind shear and convective available potential energy (CAPE). CSIRO Mk3.6 struggled to either represent the diurnal cycle over a large portion of the continent or resolve the annual cycle, while in contrast CCAM showed a tendency to underestimate CAPE and 0–6-km bulk magnitude vertical wind shear (S06). While spatial resolution likely contributes to rendering of features such as coastal moisture and significant topography, the distribution of severe thunderstorm environments is found to have greater sensitivity to model biases. This highlights the need for a consistent approach to evaluating convective parameters and severe thunderstorm environments in present-day climate: an example of which is presented here.

scholarly journals Different effects of latent heat in planetary boundary layer and cloud microphysical processes on Typhoon Sarika (2016)

Geofizika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangnan Li ◽  
Youlong Chen ◽  
Wenshi Lin ◽  
Fangzhou Li ◽  
Chenghui Ding
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Latent Heat ◽  
Planetary Boundary Layer ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Cloud Microphysics ◽  
Mature Stage ◽  
Microphysical Process ◽  
Cloud Microphysical Processes ◽  
Microphysical Processes

Three simulation experiments were conducted on Typhoon (TC) “Sarika” (2016) using the WRF model, different effects of the latent heat in planetary boundary layer and cloud microphysical process on the TC were investigated. The control experiment well simulated the changes in TC track and intensity. The latent heat in planetary boundary layer or cloud microphysics process can affect the TC track and moving speed. Latent heat affects the TC strength by affecting the TC structure. Compared with the CTL experiment, both the NBL experiment and the NMP experiment show weakening in dynamics and thermodynamics characteristics of TC. Without the effect of latent heat, the TC cannot develop upwards and thus weakens in its intensity and reduces in precipitation; this weakening effect appears to be more obvious in the case of closing the latent heat in planetary boundary layer. The latent heat in planetary boundary layer mainly influences the generation and development of TC during the beginning stage, whereas the latent heat in cloud microphysical process is conducive to the strengthen and maintenance of TC in the mature stage. The latent heat energy of the cloud microphysical process in the TC core region is an order of magnitude larger than the surface enthalpy. But the latent heat release of cloud microphysical processes is not the most critical factor for TC enhancement, while the energy transfer of boundary layer processes is more important.

scholarly journals Putting the clouds back in aerosol–cloud interactions

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (21) ◽  
pp. 12397-12411 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gettelman
Keyword(s):  
Global Climate ◽  
Cloud Microphysics ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Aerosol Cloud ◽  
Cloud Microphysical Processes ◽  
Global Tests ◽  
Microphysical Processes ◽  
Aerosol Cloud Interactions ◽  
Lifetime Effects ◽  
Aerosol Emissions

Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interactions (ACI) are the consequence of perturbed aerosols affecting cloud drop and crystal number, with corresponding microphysical and radiative effects. ACI are sensitive to both cloud microphysical processes (the "C" in ACI) and aerosol emissions and processes (the "A" in ACI). This work highlights the importance of cloud microphysical processes, using idealized and global tests of a cloud microphysics scheme used for global climate prediction. Uncertainties in key cloud microphysical processes examined with sensitivity tests cause uncertainties of nearly −30 to +60 % in ACI, similar to or stronger than uncertainties identified due to natural aerosol emissions (−30 to +30 %). The different dimensions and sensitivities of ACI to microphysical processes identified in previous work are analyzed in detail, showing that precipitation processes are critical for understanding ACI and that uncertain cloud lifetime effects are nearly one-third of simulated ACI. Buffering of different processes is important, as is the mixed phase and coupling of the microphysics to the condensation and turbulence schemes in the model.

scholarly journals Putting the clouds back in aerosol-cloud interactions

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (15) ◽  
pp. 20775-20810 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gettelman
Keyword(s):  
Global Climate ◽  
Cloud Microphysics ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Aerosol Cloud ◽  
Cloud Microphysical Processes ◽  
Global Tests ◽  
Microphysical Processes ◽  
Aerosol Cloud Interactions ◽  
Lifetime Effects ◽  
Aerosol Emissions

Abstract. Aerosol Cloud Interactions (ACI) are the consequence of perturbed aerosols affecting cloud drop and crystal number, with corresponding microphysical and radiative effects. ACI are sensitive to both cloud microphysical processes (the "C" in ACI) and aerosol emissions and processes (the "A" in ACI). This work highlights the importance of cloud microphysical processes, using idealized and global tests of a cloud microphysics scheme used for global climate prediction. Uncertainties in cloud microphysical processes cause uncertainties of up to −35 to +50 % in ACI, stronger than uncertainties due to natural aerosol emissions (−20 to +30 %). The different dimensions and sensitivities of ACI to microphysical processes are analyzed in detail, showing that precipitation processes are critical for understanding ACI and that uncertain cloud lifetime effects are 1/3 of simulated ACI. Buffering of different processes is important, as is the mixed phase and coupling of the microphysics to the condensation and turbulence schemes in the model.

Stable isotopes in precipitation and water vapor simulated by isotope-incorporated NICAM

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Tanoue ◽  
Yuki Takano ◽  
Kei Yoshimura ◽  
Hisashi Yashiro
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Physical Process ◽  
Isotope Ratios ◽  
Cloud Microphysics ◽  
Convective Parameterization ◽  
Simulated Precipitation ◽  
High Latitude Region ◽  
Cloud Microphysical Processes ◽  
Latitude Region ◽  
Microphysical Processes

&lt;p&gt;The stable water isotopes (SWIs) (&amp;#948;&lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;O and &amp;#948;D) are used as an indicator of the intensity of the atmospheric hydrological cycle due to their large variability in time and space. Although data about vapor isotope ratio with high frequency and high resolution are now available by satellite observations and spectroscopic analyses, there is some room for discussion on the variability of isotope ratios in vapor and precipitation related to cloud microphysical processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here, we incorporated SWI tracer into the latest version of a global cloud system resolving model (the Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM)), iso-NICAM, and investigated the contribution of cloud microphysical processes to the variability of isotope ratios in precipitation and vapor. One of the merits used NICAM is that its physical process can cover from low spatial resolution to high spatial resolution. We conducted two mode simulations (GCM and CRM). The GCM mode simulation is based on the Arakawa-Schubert scheme as convective parameterization and a large-scale condensation scheme as the cloud physical process. In contrast, the CRM mode simulation is based on the a single-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme with 6 water categories as cloud microphysical scheme, convective parameterization scheme was not used. These simulations are set to about 223 km of horizontal mesh resolution and 78 vertical layers. We conducted an AMIP-type climate experiment for one year from 1979.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The simulated precipitation &amp;#948;&lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;O showed the latitude effect pattern (high &amp;#948;&lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;O in low latitude region, low &amp;#948;&lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;O in high latitude region), but those values in the CRM mode was slightly lower than that in the GCM mode . The simulated precipitation &amp;#948;&lt;sup&gt;18&lt;/sup&gt;O in the CRM mode was lower in high altitude or inland regions compared with those in the GCM mode . Besides, the precipitation d-excess in the CRM mode shows large spatial variability compared with the GCM mode. Although the low spatial resolution was set in this study, these simulations indicated cloud microphysical processes are important for understanding the variability of isotope physics. We will conduct these simulations with finer spatial resolution and a more extended simulation period.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals A forecasting aspect of thundersquall over Calcutta and its parameterisation during pre-monsoon season

MAUSAM ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-280
Author(s):  
G. C. BASU ◽  
D. K. MONDAL
Keyword(s):  
Potential Energy ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Propagation Speed ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Radar Echo ◽  
Made In

Severe thunderstorms accompanied by squalls are the most hazardous weather phenomena during pre-monsoon season in north-eastern region of India. An attempt has been made in this paper to study some parameters for forecasting thundersqualls over Calcutta (Airport) during pre-monsoon season. Parameterisation of thermodynamic components alongwith the synoptic support during thundersqualls over Calcutta has been discussed here. A forecasting aspect for propagation speed of thunderstorm cell at Calcutta in pre-monsoon season has been examined with respect to radar-echo positions, mid-level winds and convective available potential energy (CAPE). Occurrences of multiple thundersqualls over Calcutta Airport within a few hours’ interval have been discussed and examined through hodograph analysis, radar observations and synoptic situations.

scholarly journals Synoptic and Mesoscale Environment of Convection during the North American Monsoon across Central and Southern Arizona

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee B. Carlaw ◽  
Ariel E. Cohen ◽  
Jaret W. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Potential Energy ◽  
North American ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
North American Monsoon ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Available Potential Energy ◽  
The North ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms

Abstract This paper comprehensively analyzes the synoptic and mesoscale environment associated with North American monsoon–related thunderstorms affecting central and southern Arizona. Analyses of thunderstorm environments are presented using reanalysis data, severe thunderstorm reports, and cloud-to-ground lightning information from 2003 to 2013, which serves as a springboard for lightning-prediction models provided in a companion paper. Spatial and temporal analyses of lightning strikes indicate thunderstorm frequencies maximize between 2100 and 0000 UTC, when the greatest frequencies are concentrated over higher terrain. Severe thunderstorm reports typically occur later in the day (between 2300 and 0100 UTC), while reports are maximized in the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas. Composite analyses of the synoptic-scale patterns associated with severe thunderstorm days and nonthunderstorm days during the summer using the North American Regional Reanalysis dataset are presented. Severe thunderstorm cases tend to be associated with a stronger midlevel anticyclone and deep-layer moisture over portions of the southwestern United States. By September, severe weather patterns tend to associate with a midlevel trough along the Pacific coast. Specific parameters associated with severe thunderstorms are analyzed across the Tucson and Phoenix areas, where severe weather reporting is more consistent. Greater convective available potential energy, low-level lapse rates, and downdraft convective available potential energy are associated with severe thunderstorm (especially severe wind) environments compared to those with nonsevere thunderstorms, while stronger effective bulk wind differences (at least 15–20 kt, where 1 kt = 0.51 m s−1) can be used to distinguish severe hail environments.

scholarly journals Future Australian Severe Thunderstorm Environments. Part II: The Influence of a Strongly Warming Climate on Convective Environments

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 3848-3868 ◽  
Author(s):  
John T. Allen ◽  
David J. Karoly ◽  
Kevin J. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Models ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Global Climate Models ◽  
Historical Period ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Warming Climate ◽  
Eastern Australia

Abstract The influence of a warming climate on the occurrence of severe thunderstorm environments in Australia was explored using two global climate models: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Mark, version 3.6 (CSIRO Mk3.6), and the Cubic-Conformal Atmospheric Model (CCAM). These models have previously been evaluated and found to be capable of reproducing a useful climatology for the twentieth-century period (1980–2000). Analyzing the changes between the historical period and high warming climate scenarios for the period 2079–99 has allowed estimation of the potential convective future for the continent. Based on these simulations, significant increases to the frequency of severe thunderstorm environments will likely occur for northern and eastern Australia in a warmed climate. This change is a response to increasing convective available potential energy from higher continental moisture, particularly in proximity to warm sea surface temperatures. Despite decreases to the frequency of environments with high vertical wind shear, it appears unlikely that this will offset increases to thermodynamic energy. The change is most pronounced during the peak of the convective season, increasing its length and the frequency of severe thunderstorm environments therein, particularly over the eastern parts of the continent. The implications of this potential increase are significant, with the overall frequency of potential severe thunderstorm days per year likely to rise over the major population centers of the east coast by 14% for Brisbane, 22% for Melbourne, and 30% for Sydney. The limitations of this approach are then discussed in the context of ways to increase the confidence of predictions of future severe convection.

scholarly journals A Total Lightning Trending Algorithm to Identify Severe Thunderstorms

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick N. Gatlin ◽  
Steven J. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Severe Weather ◽  
Lightning Flash ◽  
Severe Thunderstorm ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Severe Thunderstorms ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Total Lightning ◽  
Jump Algorithm ◽  
Early Indication ◽  
Critical Success Index

Abstract An algorithm that provides an early indication of impending severe weather from observed trends in thunderstorm total lightning flash rates has been developed. The algorithm framework has been tested on 20 thunderstorms, including 1 nonsevere storm, which occurred over the course of six separate days during the spring months of 2002 and 2003. The identified surges in lightning rate (or jumps) are compared against 110 documented severe weather events produced by these thunderstorms as they moved across portions of northern Alabama and southern Tennessee. Lightning jumps precede 90% of these severe weather events, with as much as a 27-min advance notification of impending severe weather on the ground. However, 37% of lightning jumps are not followed by severe weather reports. Various configurations of the algorithm are tested, and the highest critical success index attained is 0.49. Results suggest that this lightning jump algorithm may be a useful operational diagnostic tool for severe thunderstorm potential.

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