Studies of the Kinematics and Thermodynamics of Convection Initiation and Microburst Downdrafts in CINDE

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This research involves support for participation of scientists from the University of Wyoming in the Convective INiation and Downburst Experiment (CINDE) to be conducted near Denver, Colorado in the summer of 1987. CINDE represents a collaborative effort between the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and university scientists and has the two goals of investigating the kinematics and thermodynamics of the initiation of storms by boundary layer convergence lines and the reasons for initiation of microburst downdrafts. In order to maximize available resources, the CINDE is being held in conjunction with two other field experiments: the Federal Aviation Administration's Terminal Doppler Weather Radar Experiment and the NOAA sponsored Denver AWIPS-90 Risk Reduction and Requirement Evaluation. The exact timing and location of the initiation of deep convection is of great value for a variety of purposes including improved prediction of rainfall amounts, public warnings of severe weather, timing of space craft launches and landings, etc. The hazard to aircraft posed by microbursts has been well established, but reasons for formation and maintenance of these intense downdrafts is not completely understood. Improved knowledge of this phenomenon, will contribute to better prediction and detection methods.