Mesoscale Meteorology in Midlatitudes

by Paul M. Markowski (Penn State University); Yvette P. Richardson (Penn State University )

• ISBN13: 9780470682098
• ISBN10: 0470682094
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2010-03-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Mesoscale Meteorology in Mid-Latitudes presents the dynamics of mesoscale meteorological phenomena in a highly accessible, student-friendly manner. The book’s clear mathematical treatments are complimented by high-quality colour photographs and illustrations. Comprehensive coverage of subjects including boundary layer mesoscale phenomena, orographic phenomena and deep convection is brought together with the latest developments in the field to provide an invaluable resource for mesoscale meteorology students.

Mesoscale Meteorology in Mid-Latitudes functions as a comprehensive, easy-to-use undergraduate textbook while also providing a useful reference for graduate students, research scientists and weather industry professionals.

*Illustrated in full colour throughout *Covers the latest developments and research in the field *Comprehensive coverage of deep convection and its initiation *Uses real-life examples of phenomena taken from broad geographical areas to demonstrate the practical aspects of the science

Cover: The updraft of a supercell thunderstorm acquires its vertical vorticity by tilting horizontal vorticity present within the inflow. Photograph by Eric Nguyen.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

List of Symbols

General Principles

What is the Mesoscale?

Space and time scales

Dynamical distinctions between the mesoscale and synoptic scale

Basic Equations and Tools

Thermodynamics

Mass conservation

Momentum equations

Vorticity and circulation

Pressure perturbations

Thermodynamic diagrams

Hodographs

Mesoscale Instabilities

Static instability

Centrifugal instability

Inertial instability

Symmetric instability

Shear instability

Lower Tropospheric Mesoscale Phenomena

The Boundary Layer

The nature of turbulent fluxes

Surface energy budget

Structure and evolution of the boundary layer

Boundary layer convection

Lake-effect convection

Urban boundary layers

The nocturnal low-level wind maximum

Air Mass Boundaries

Synoptic fronts

Drylines

Outflow boundaries

Mesoscale boundaries originating from differential surface heating

Mesoscale Gravity Waves

Basic wave conventions

Internal gravity wave dynamics

Wave reflection

Critical levels

Structure and environments of ducted mesoscale gravity waves

Bores

Deep Moist Convection

Convection Initiation

Requisites for convection initiation and the role of larger scales

Mesoscale complexities of convection initiation

Moisture convergence

Elevated convection

Organization of Isolated Convection

Role of vertical wind shear

Single-cell convection

Multicellular convection

Supercellular convection

Mesoscale Convective Systems

General characteristics

Squall line structure

Squall line maintenance

Rear inflow and bow echoes

Mesoscale convection complexes

Hazards Associated with Deep Moist Convection

Tornadoes

Nontornadic, damaging straight-line winds

Hailstorms

Flash floods

Orographic Mesoscale Phenomena

Thermally Forced Winds in Mountainous Terrain

Slope winds

Valley winds

Mountain Waves and Downslope Windstorms

Internal gravity waves forced by two-dimensional terrain

Gravity waves forced by isolated peaks

Downslope windstorms

Rotors

Blocking of the Wind Terrain

Factors that govern whether air flows over or around a terrain obstacle

Orographically trapped cold-air surges

Lee vortices

Gap flows

Appendix

Radar and Its Applications

Radar basics

Doppler radar principles

Applications

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.