Examples of Isallobaric Forcing in Surface Frontal Motion and Surface Frontogenesis over the Central United States
Abstract
The extent to which the isallobaric component of the ageostrophic wind influences surface frontal motion and frontogenesis is not well understood. In this observational study the isallobaric contribution to surface frontal propagation is subjectively ascertained by diagnosis of isallobaric influence on the actual wind crossfrontal components and frontogenetical forcing. Hourly average surface frontal motions are calculated over a several hour period for three case studies and compared to surface actual, geostrophic, and frictionless isallobaric wind crossfrontal components. In addition, isallobaric crossfrontal contribution to surface frontal motion appears somewhat random and has a very limited geographical extent. In contrast, the isallobaric influence on actual wind frontogenetical forcing can be substantial. In many areas where frontogenetically induced frontal motion by the actual wind is indicated, the issallobaric contribution appears to be significant. (Author) (jd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 23, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227687
Entities
People
- Steven R. Christy
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology