Mesoscale Simulation of a Convective Frontal Passage

Faculty Mentor Name

Melanie Wetzel and Dorothea Ivanova

Format Preference

Poster

Abstract

This project has utilized the Weather Research and Forecasting mesoscale model (WRF), version 3.6.1 Advanced Research WRF (ARW) to simulate the general features of the boundary layer thermodynamic profiles, winds and convective cloud structure for 2-3 April 2014 1200. Data assimilation and two-way nesting procedures were executed. A fine-grid resolution of 3 km was used for this study, while the coarse grid resolution was set to 30 km. The study investigated cross-wind and cloud microphysical conditions and precipitation characteristics as revealed by National Weather Service (NWS) Dual- Polarization Radar data. A National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Student Training in Airborne Research and Technology (START) two-week deployment of the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA) research aircraft was conducted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona during early April 2014. Aircraft observations and radiosonde profile data were used with the NWS radar products to evaluate the model simulations.

Arizona Space Grant Award

Location

AC1-ATRIUM

Start Date

4-10-2015 1:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2015 3:30 PM

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Apr 10th, 1:00 PM Apr 10th, 3:30 PM

Mesoscale Simulation of a Convective Frontal Passage

AC1-ATRIUM

This project has utilized the Weather Research and Forecasting mesoscale model (WRF), version 3.6.1 Advanced Research WRF (ARW) to simulate the general features of the boundary layer thermodynamic profiles, winds and convective cloud structure for 2-3 April 2014 1200. Data assimilation and two-way nesting procedures were executed. A fine-grid resolution of 3 km was used for this study, while the coarse grid resolution was set to 30 km. The study investigated cross-wind and cloud microphysical conditions and precipitation characteristics as revealed by National Weather Service (NWS) Dual- Polarization Radar data. A National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Student Training in Airborne Research and Technology (START) two-week deployment of the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA) research aircraft was conducted at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona during early April 2014. Aircraft observations and radiosonde profile data were used with the NWS radar products to evaluate the model simulations.

Arizona Space Grant Award