Structure and Momentum Fluxes of Warm Pool Oceanic MesoscaleConvective Systems

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This research focuses on the analysis and interpretation of airborne Doppler radar and in-situ (i.e., flight level) data from warm pool mesoscale convective systems (MCS) and on the documentation of the three-dimensional airflow within these systems. Past observational field programs (e.g. GATE, PRE-STORM) have clearly shown that MCSs are a fundamental phenomenon in the atmosphere. Particular emphasis will be given to the diagnosis of vertical motions: convective-scale in the active cumulus regions of the MCS and mesoscale in the stratiform rain regions. The accurate quantification of vertical motions is important for the computation of fluxes of momentum and vertical profiles of heating. The results from analysis of both Dopple and in-situ data will be tested, supplemented and extended by using a series of numerical simulations from several numerical models including both the Clark and the Klemp-Wilhelmson. Initialization for these models will be provided by a combination of data from aircraft and sounding observations. This approach, combining data analysis and numerical modeling, should lead to a better understanding of MCS structure, airflow, fluxes, and life-cycle and of the interactions between the MCS and the environment. This proposal is also concerned with proper planning and execution of the aircraft flights, as well as data validation and data management activities following the completion of the field phase of TOGA/COARE. Experience in other field projects (e.g., PRE-STORM hurricanes, TAMEX, and EMEX) has shown the value of real- time decision making in the selection of proper flight tracks to fully utilize the capabilites of the airborne Doppler radar. Therefore, the scientists performing this research will also participate in the field program as airborne Chief Scientists and Doppler radar operators. All aircraft scientists are working together to meet their individual research objectives through a coordinated research flight plan. This research is important because it serves as one of the principal TOGA/COARE studies of the processes responsible for convection in the western Pacific warm pool and its interaction on larger scales is an especially climate sensitive region of the world, the western Pacific Ocean, the field site of TOGA/COARE.