Chapter 8

Problems

1. Determine the vortex-induced winds at the rear-inflow center line ... See: Pr.8.1

2. Argue how the introduction of rear inflow can help re-balance a squall line in a state of less-than-optimum shear ... See: Pr8.2

3. Develop a time-dependent circulation equation suitable for analysis of mesovortexgenesis ... See: Pr8.3

Exercises

1. Use the idealized model CM1 to demonstrate relationships between MCS structure and evolution, and (1) the characteristics of the environmental wind shear, (2) the presence of planetary rotation, and (3) the presence of frozen hydrometeors ... See:. Ex8.1

Cases

1. MCSs on 17-18 April 2013. A variety of convective-storm types occurrend during this period, including tornadic supercells in Oklahoma, but the MCS(s) in the central U.S. is of most relevance here. Consider ~1400-1500 UTC on 18 April, during which time an extensive squall line extended from Indiana through Illinois and Missouri, with intense leading-line convection, a transition zone (e.g., 1515 UTC in northwest Indiana), and a large region of trailing stratiform precipitation. This MCS was responsible for multiple wind reports, a few tornadoes, and significant flooding over Indiana. An overview of this event can be found at: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/archive/event.php?date=20130417

2. Bow echo on 11 July 2011, in northern Illinois through northern Indiana. Consider the period from ~1200 to 1400 UTC, from the perspective of the Chicago/Romeoville, IL (KLOT) and North Webster, IN (KIWX) WSR-88Ds. An overview of this event can be found at: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/archive/event.php?date=20110711

Topics for further discussion

1. How might the presence of mesovortices in MCSs affect MCS predictability?

2. What are some of the challenges in anticipating the occurrence of damaging surface winds in assocation with a nocturnal MCS?

   
Return to Site