A Climatology of Mesoscale Wave Disturbances Seen in Mesonet Data During Storm-Fest
Abstract
Many studies have found mesoscale gravity waves to be the likely trigger in severe weather outbreaks. In order to better recognize a gravity wave as such and move towards predicting an event and the weather changes associated with it, we must increase our basic knowledge of these waves by answering questions on their frequency of occurrence, typical magnitude and the conditions under which they occur. This study is an effort to do just that by examining the mesoscale surface data collected during the STORM-Fronts Experiment System Test, STORM-FEST experiment performed by the US Weather Research Program in the central US from 1 February through 15 March 1992. Thirteen pressure pulse events (amplitude >= 0.2 mb, period 1 - 6 hrs) were identified in the surface pressure data gathered during STORM-FEST, involving 34% of the total hours investigated. These events were ranked according to their average amplitude. The three top-ranked events were analyzed in detail and all three of the events displayed evidence of a gravity wave in the high perturbation pressure wind covariances and in the continuity of the wave signatures. A variety of wave types were evident in each of the cases, including wavelets, wave trains and waves of elevation and depression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 09, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA320430
Entities
People
- Leanne M. Siedlarz
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology