Michael L. Kaplan

Some Common Ingredients for Heavy Orographic Rainfall

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to synthesize some common synoptic and mesoscale environments conducive to heavy orographic rainfall. Previous studies of U.S. and Alpine cases and new analyses of some Alpine and east Asian cases have shown the following common synoptic and mesoscale environments are conducive to heavy orographic rainfall: 1) a conditionally or potentially unstable airstream impinging on the mountains, 2) a very moist low-level jet (LLJ), 3) a steep mountain, and 4) a quasi-stationary synoptic system to slow the convective system over the threat area. A deep short-wave trough is found to approach the threat area in the U.S. and European cases, but is not found in the east Asian cases. On the other hand, a high convective available potential energy (CAPE) value is observed in east Asian cases, but is not consistently observed in the U.S. and European cases. The enhancement of low-level upward motion and the increase of instability below the trough by the approaching deep short-wave tr...

Initial Results from a Mesoscale Atmospheric Simulation System and Comparisons with the AVE-SESAME I Data Set

Abstract The development of a comprehensive mesoscale atmospheric simulation system (MASS) is described in detail. The modeling system is designed for both research and real-time forecast applications. The 14-level numerical model, which has a 48 km grid mesh, can be run over most of North America and the adjacent oceanic regions. The model employs sixth-order accurate numerics, generalized similarity theory boundary-layer physics, a sophisticated cumulus parameterization scheme, and state of the art analysis and initialization techniques. Examples of model output on the synoptic and subsynoptic scales are presented for the AVE-SESAME I field experiment on 10–11 April 1979. The model output is subjectively compared to the observational analysis and the LFM II output on the synoptic scale. Subsynoptic model output is compared to analyses generated from the AVE-SESAME I data set.

Numerical Simulations of a Gravity Wave Event over CCOPE. Part III: The Role of a Mountain–Plains Solenoid in the Generation of the Second Wave Episode

Abstract Mesoscale model simulations have been performed of the second episode of gravity waves observed in great detail in previous studies on 11–12 July 1981 during the Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiment. The dominant wave simulated by the model was mechanically forced by the strong updraft associated with a mountain–plains solenoid (MPS). As this updraft impinged upon a stratified shear layer above the deep, well-mixed boundary layer that developed due to strong sensible heating over the Absaroka Mountains, the gravity wave was created. This wave rapidly weakened as it propagated eastward. However, explosive convection developed directly over the remnant gravity wave as an eastward-propagating density current produced by a rainband generated within the MPS leeside convergence zone merged with a westward-propagating density current in eastern Montana. The greatly strengthened cool pool resulting from this new convection then generated a bore wave that appeared to be continuous with the move...

The Influence of the Rocky Mountains on the 13–14 April 1986 Severe Weather Outbreak. Part II: Evolution of a Prefrontal Bore and Its Role in Triggering a Squall Line

Abstract In this paper, Part II of a series, the evolution of a prefrontal bore on the leeside of the Rockies and its subsequent propagation and initiation of convection farther downstream over eastern Colorado and western Nebraska are investigated. The observational evidence for this sequence of events was obtained from combined analyses of high-resolution GOES satellite imagery and Program for Regional Observing and Forecasting Services mesonetwork data over the Colorado region for the severe weather event that occurred during 13–14 April 1986. A 2D nonhydrostatic numerical model is used to further understand the initiation of the bore and its ability to propagate farther downstream and trigger convection. Analysis of satellite imagery and mesonet data indicated that an internal bore (ahead of a cold front), a moderate downslope windstorm, and a quasi-stationary hydraulic jump were generated within a few hours along the Iceslope as a Pacific cold front and its attendant upper-level jet streak advanced o...

Numerical Simulations of a Gravity Wave Event over CCOPE. Part I: The Role of Geostrophic Adjustment in Mesoscale Jetlet Formation

Abstract Mesoscale model simulations are performed in order to provide insight into the complex role of jet streak adjustments in establishing an environment favorable to the generation of gravity waves on 11–12 July 1981. This wave event was observed in unprecedented detail downstream of the Rocky Mountains in Montana during the Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiment. The high-resolution model simulations employ a variety of terrain treatments in the absence of the complicating effects of precipitation physics in order to examine the complex interactions between orography and adiabatic geostrophic adjustment processes. Results indicate that prior to gravity wave formation, a four-stage geostrophic adjustment process modified the structure of the mid- to upper-tropospheric jet streak by creating secondary mesoscale jet streaks (jetlets) to the southeast of the polar jet streak in proximity to the gravity wave generation region (WGR). During stage I, a strong rightward-directed ageostrophic flow i...

Numerical simulations of the subsynoptic features associated with the AVE-SESAME I case. I - The preconvective environment

Abstract A series of mesoscale numerical simulations of the AVE-SESAME I case (10 April 1979) were performed in order to analyze the dynamical processes that result in the production of an environment favorable for the development of severe local convective storms. The investigation focused on the relative contributions of quasi-adiabatic inertial and isallobaric adjustments attributable to the geometry of the tropospheric flow and the fluxes of heat, moisture and momentum from the surface of the earth. The model simulations support many of the conclusions deduced by Kocin et al. in their analyses of the observations taken during the field experiment. The quasi-adiabatic simulations support the existence of a coupled upper-tropospheric and lower-tropospheric jet streak system. However, the dynamical coupling is more complex than the straight line jet streak model utilized by Uccellini and Johnson. The departures are attributable to two sources. First, there is a time-varying curvature in the exit region d...

A Terminal Area PBL Prediction System at Dallas–Fort Worth and Its Application in Simulating Diurnal PBL Jets

Abstract A state–of–the–science meso–b–scale numerical weather prediction model is being employed in a prototype forecast system for potential operational use at the Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The numerical model is part of a unique operational forecasting system being developed to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Terminal Area Productivity Program. This operational forecasting system will focus on meso–b–scale aviation weather problems involving planetary boundary layer (PBL) turbulence, and is named the Terminal Area PBL Prediction System (TAPPS). TAPPS (version 1) is being tested and developed for NASA in an effort to improve 1–6–h terminal area forecasts of wind, vertical wind shear, temperature, and turbulence within both stable and convective PBLs at major airport terminal areas. This is being done to enhance terminal area productivity, that is, aircraft arrival and departure throughput, by using the weather forecasts as part of the Aircraft Vort...

The Numerical Simulation of an Unbalanced Jetlet and Its Role in the Palm Sunday 1994 Tornado Outbreak in Alabama and Georgia

Abstract Meso-beta-scale numerical model simulations and observational data are synthesized in an effort to develop a multistage paradigm for use in forecasting tornadic convection in the southeastern United States. The case study to be utilized as an example of the multistage sequence of events is the Palm Sunday 1994 outbreak, which culminates with the development of an unbalanced mesoscale jet streak or jetlet that focuses a given region for significant values of low-level vertical wind shear, low-level confluence and vertical vorticity, midtropospheric cooling, and storm-relative helicity. The five-stage paradigm includes 1) the existence of a jet exit region accompanying a deep balanced thermally indirect circulation south of the outbreak and a return branch ageostrophic low-level southerly jet, both typically accompanying the subtropical jet stream and the leading edge of hot continental air; 2) the existence of a jet entrance region accompanying a deep balanced thermally direct circulation north of...

Numerical Study of the Orographic Forcing of Heavy Precipitation during MAP IOP-2B

Abstract This paper investigates the local circulation associated with a heavy orographic rainfall event during 19–21 September 1999 [Mesoscale Alpine Programme Intensive Observing Period 2B (MAP IOP-2B)]. This event was simulated with a 5-km horizontal grid spacing using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5). The MM5 simulation reproduced the basic features such as the timing and location of the deep trough and the associated precipitation evolution, though the total amount of precipitation is slightly higher than that measured by rain gauges (∼30% in 24 h). The near-surface flow was dominated by an easterly jet originally from the Adriatic Sea and a southerly jet from the Gulf of Genoa. A significant westward turning occurred when the southerly flow approached the south side of the Alps. This deflection was caused by boundary layer friction and rotation, as well as mountain blocking effects. Flow was generally from the south above the surface. Precipitation was ma...

Jetlet Formation from Diabatic Forcing with Applications to the 1994 Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak

Abstract The three-dimensional responses of simple stably stratified barotropic and baroclinic flows to prescribed diabatic forcing are investigated using a dry, hydrostatic, primitive equation numerical model (the North Carolina State University Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Model). A time-dependent diabatic forcing is utilized to isolate the effects of latent heat release in a midlatitude convective system. Examination of the mass-momentum adjustments to the diabatic forcing is performed with a focus on the development of an isolated midlevel wind maximum. The results of both cases suggest the formation of a midlevel wind maximum in the form of a perturbation meso-β-scale cyclone, which later propagates downstream as the heating is decreased. The scale of the perturbation cyclone remains at a sub-Rossby radius of deformation length scale. Therefore, the mass perturbations adjust to the wind perturbations as the mesocyclone propagates downstream. Transverse vertical circulations, which favor ascent on the r...