Model-Aided Studies of Mesoscale Phenomena within Cyclonic Weather Systems

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9419455 Reed It has long been recognized that the exact timing, location and severity of local weather events are determined by what is termed by meteorologist as mesoscale processes. The Principal Investigator's main objective is to carry out numerical simulations of mesoscale weather systems in order to identify key physical processes of three distinct mesoscale phenomena. These three phenomena are polar lows (small vortices that form over polar seas and in intense cases present a hazard to ship operations), mesoscale convective systems, and fronts. In the polar low work, a wider range of synoptic situations and geographic setting will be studied than heretofore with the aim of understanding how different components of polar low formation interact under different circumstances. The research on mesoscale convection will focus on how model resolution and model representation of unresolved convection affect the development of mesoscale convective systems, particularly in the early stages of oceanic storms. The frontal work will be concerned mainly with diagnosing how fronts form in the type of oceanic cyclone that does not form on a preexisting front , but that creates its own fronts as it evolves. Research will be primarily accomplished through numerical modeling studies conducted in conjunction with scientists from the National Center for Atmospheric Research. ***