Mesoscale Convective Systems and the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

被称为中尺度对流系统的有组织的雷暴集合已被确定为春夏季和秋季热带和中纬度地区大部分降雨的产生者。首席研究员将继续他的研究，以提高对中尺度对流系统（mcs）和大气边界层的理解。在以前NSF赞助的研究中，首席研究员产生了许多重要的新发现。其中包括确定导致MCSs几个显著特征的因素。这条研究路线将在观测和数值模拟两方面继续进行。重点将放在：1。通常尾随mcs的低压区域的动力学，称为“尾流低压”。由MCSs形成的中尺度涡旋的形成机制。这些稳定的涡旋被认为是在原始MCS消散几小时后未来几轮恶劣天气的触发机制。3. 一系列MCSs的控制因素，这些MCSs通常是造成强降雨事件的原因。如果成功，这项研究可用于开发更好的数值和概念模式，用于预报MCS严重天气事件。

Organized collections of thunderstorms known as mesoscale convective systems have been identified as producers of most of the rainfall in the tropics and in mid-latitudes during the spring, summer and fall. The Principal Investigator will continue his research towards an improved understanding of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and the atmospheric boundary layer. Under previously NSF sponsored research the Principal Investigator produced many significant new findings. Among these are the identification of the factors responsible for several distinctive features of MCSs. This line of research will continue with both observational and numerical modeling components. Emphasis will be placed on: 1. The dynamics of a region of low pressure which often trails MCSs, known as "wake lows" 2. The formation mechanisms of mesoscale vortices which form out of MCSs. These stable vortices are believed to be a triggering mechanism for future rounds of severe weather several hours after the original MCS has dissipated. 3. The controlling factors for series of MCSs which are often responsible for severe rain events. If successful, this research can be used to develop better numerical and conceptual models for the forecasting of severe MCS weather events.