Analysis of a Great Basin Cyclone and Attendant Mesoscale Features

Abstract

The synoptic and mesoscale evolution of a Great Basin cyclone and its attendant mesoscale features are described using high resolution surface observations provided by MesoWest, a collection of observing networks located over the western United States. Specific aspects of the event that are examined in detail include: (1) the distortion of the cold front over the Sierra Nevada, (2) the evolution of the cold front and several mesoscale circulation centers over northern Utah, (3) the evolution and distortion of the cold front over southern and central Idaho, and (4) the development of persistent troughing and a Snake River Plain convergence zone over southern Idaho. Possible dynamical mechanisms for the evolution of the observed mesoscale features are discussed, as well as issues related to surface analysis in regions of complex terrain.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA379819

Entities

People

  • Thomas R. Blazek

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Altimeters
  • Altitude
  • Boundary Layer
  • Cold Fronts
  • Convergence Zones (Sonar)
  • Dew Point
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Geography
  • High Pressure
  • Meteorology
  • Rocky Mountains
  • Sea Level
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Topography
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Riverine Ecology
  • Systems Analysis and Design