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Influence of mesoscale orography on idealized cold fronts

Schumann, U. (1987) Influence of mesoscale orography on idealized cold fronts. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 44, pp. 3423-3441. doi: 10.1175/1520-0469(1987)044<3423:IOMOOI>2.0.CO;2.

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Official URL: http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-archive&issn=1520-0469

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical model based on the inviscid and adiabatic primitive equations in the Boussinesq approximation is used to investigate the retardation of cold fronts by high two and three-dimensional mountains, approximately the same size as the Alps. Initial and boundary conditions are specified according to an analytical model for an idealized front with constant potential vorticity. The study covers cases with uniform, neutral or stable stratification in both the cold and warm air masses. The model results are compared with previous analytical solutions of a shallow water flow model. A scale analysis and a parameter study identify the conditions under which a front is strongly influenced by mountains. For two-dimensional cases, the study shows that the foot of the front is strongly retarded if the kinetic energy is too small to let the cold air climb over the mountain. The bulk of the front is strongly retarded if the Froude number and the relative front/mountain height are small, and if the mountain is steep. For Froude numbers of order one and for high mountains, hydraulic jumps arise in accordance with theories for layered flows. Stable stratification further enhances retardation of the front and disperses possible hydraulic jumps. In three dimensions, the front experiences deformation due to anticyclonic motion. This deformation is enhanced by stratification. The model explains the magnitude of surface-front deformation for two observed cases where cold fronts are strongly retarded at the Alps.

Item URL in elib:https://elib.dlr.de/53402/
Document Type:Article
Title:Influence of mesoscale orography on idealized cold fronts
Authors:
AuthorsInstitution or Email of AuthorsAuthor's ORCID iDORCID Put Code
Schumann, U.UNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Date:1987
Journal or Publication Title:Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Open Access:Yes
Gold Open Access:No
In SCOPUS:No
In ISI Web of Science:No
Volume:44
DOI:10.1175/1520-0469(1987)044<3423:IOMOOI>2.0.CO;2
Page Range:pp. 3423-3441
Status:Published
Keywords:three-dimensional numerical model, Alps
HGF - Research field:Aeronautics, Space and Transport (old)
HGF - Program:Space (old)
HGF - Program Themes:W EO - Erdbeobachtung
DLR - Research area:Space
DLR - Program:W EO - Erdbeobachtung
DLR - Research theme (Project):W - Vorhaben Atmosphären- und Klimaforschung (old)
Location: Oberpfaffenhofen
Institutes and Institutions:Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Deposited By: Freund, Jana
Deposited On:20 Feb 2008
Last Modified:31 Jul 2019 19:21

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