A three-dimensional study of the influence of mountains on a front
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Authors
Li, Shang-Wu
Subjects
Front
Mountain
Frontogenesis
Numerical model
Mountain
Frontogenesis
Numerical model
Advisors
Peng, Melinda S.
Williams, R.T.
Date of Issue
1992-12
Date
December 1992
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This study investigates mountain effects on a frontal system in three dimensions. A numerical hydrostatic primitive-equation model is employed. The frontal system is developed in the model from the most unsteady Eady wave in a baroclinic state and is then introduced into a new model domain that contains mountain ridges of difference sizes, shapes and orientations, The cold front experiences a weakening on the upwind slope and strengthening on the downward slope of a mountain. Mountain-induced homogenetic forcing by these winds associated with the front produces frontogenesis/frontolysis at different locations. The deformation and the distortion if the front by a mountain is a superposition effect of the mountain-induced frontogenesis regions and the original front. The front recovers its original horizontal structure after moves away from the mountain. The frotogenetic forcing is dominated mainly by the convergence/divergence associated with the flow over the mountain. Major intensification occurs on the lee side convergence zone. Frontal intensity returns approximately to the original level when the front moves away from the mountain. Mountain orientation is an important factor that determines the frontal distortion..
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Meteorology
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
123 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner