The Structure and Dynamics of the Late Stages of the Cyclone Life Cycle: Creating and Articulating New Knowledge Using 4-D Animation of Numerical Model Output

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9733127 Martin This award is made under the NSF CAREER Program. The principal investigator, Dr. Martin, will carry out an integrated research and teaching program in which extensive use will be made of 4-dimensional animated output from a numerical model. The research component is focused on an investigation of the structural and dynamical evolution of cyclones in the relatively unstudied late stages of the cyclone life cycle, including cyclolysis. The study will employ the case study approach and will include simulations with a state-of-the-art, non-hydrostatic, mesoscale model and the use of potential vorticity diagnostics. Special attention will be given to the role of latent heat release on the post-mature stage behavior of extratropical cyclones. The educational component involves a variety of activities, all of which will use tailored versions of the same 4-dimensional model animation as a means of illustrating complex atmospheric phenomena. These activities fall into two categories: (1) outreach education to local primary and secondary schools and (2) curriculum enhancement, at all levels in the university classroom, through the development of course-specific World Wide Web links to current animated forecast model data.