The Influence of Mountains on the Atmosphere

人们早就知道，山脉不仅影响当地的天气，而且还影响区域和天气尺度的天气。在过去的四十年里，人们对山脉如何影响天气和气候的理解有了很大的进步，但仍然存在着很大的不确定性，这限制了准确的天气预报和环境决策。两个重要的科学前沿是：(1)中尺度山地特征对区域、天气和全球天气模式的影响；(2)观测地形影响和测试数值模式的新技术。首席研究员将使用的方法包括使用理论流体力学和使用简单的两层流体模型和先进的三维中尺度数值模型进行数值计算。此外，首席研究员将通过开展小型、集中的实地工作来追求各种观测技术。首席研究员还将是大型国际研究项目“中尺度高山计划”（MAP）美国部分的主要参与者和协调人。MAP将侧重于山脉对当地、区域和天气尺度天气影响的几个方面。这项研究的成功完成，将有助我们进一步认识地形对天气的影响。这可能会使数值模式更好地反映地形影响，从而改善天气预报。＊＊＊

9711076 Smith It has long been known that mountains influence not only local, but also regional and synoptic-scale weather. The understanding of how mountains influence the weather and climate has advanced considerably over the last forty years, but there remain significant areas of uncertainty which limit accurate weather forecasting and environmental decision making. Two important scientific frontiers are (1) the influence of mesoscale mountain features on regional, synoptic and global weather patterns and (2) new technologies for observing orographic influences and testing numerical models. Methodology to be utilized by the Principal Investigator will include the use of theoretical fluid mechanics and numerical calculations using a simple, two-layer fluid model and an advanced three-dimensional mesoscale numerical model. Additionally, the Principal Investigator will pursue a variety of observational techniques by conducting small, focused field efforts. The Principal Investigator also will be a major participant and coordinator of the U.S. component of a large, international research project know as the Mesoscale Alpine Program (MAP). The MAP will focus on several aspects of the impact of mountains on local, regional and synoptic-scale weather. Successful completion of this research will result in enhanced knowledge of the impacts of orography on weather. This may lead to better representations of orographic impacts in numerical models which in turn could result in improved weather forecasts. ***