An Investigation into the Gravity Current Aspects of a Cold Air Outbreak Using Variational Analysis Techniques
Abstract
During the time period of January 27th through January 28th, 1986, the central and southeastern U.S. experienced a cold air outbreak. Surface temperatures dropped 30 degrees in a matter of hours in central Florida with dramatic drops in dewpoint as well. A method is developed using variational calculus to decompose observed gridded radiosonde data from this period into component fields. Three variational filters are used iteratively to extract the desired components of the observed data. These components are then used in concert with quasi-geostrophic theory to examine the similarities between this cold air outbreak, the gust front associated with an active thunderstorm, and a gravity current. Sensitivity studies of this method with respect to weight factors are shown. Results indicate some of the interactions between synoptic and sub-synoptic forcing in the development and maintenance of such a system. Keywords: Atmosphere models; Cold fronts; Atmospheric temperature; Meteorological data; Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA208464
Entities
People
- Stephen B. Allen
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology