The front of 8 October 1987: Predictions of three mesoscale models.

Abstract

The frontal passage of 8 October 1987, which was extensively sampled during the first intense observation period of the German Front Experiment, is simulated by aid of three mesoscale models. The results are intercompared and Held against the manually and objectively analysed observations of the meso-alpha and meso-beta scales, respectively. The orographic impact is studied by comparing model runs with full and cut-off Alps. Implications regarding similar efforts in the future conclude the paper. This study briefly recapitulates the conduct of the experiment and the intense observation periods which were carried through. Then it is outlined to what extent the scientific objectives have been achieved. The findings of the experiments are grouped into the following topics: orographically induced frontogenesis, the interaction of foehn and front, orographically trapped gravity currents, flow into valleys and the modification of precipitation by the Alps.