Using a fine-resolution mesoscale model, Professor Mass and Dr. Ulrickson will investigate how surface property variations affect diurnal flow in the Los Angeles Basin. Numerous studies have shown that variations in albedo, roughness, soil density, moisture availability, surface thermal conductivity and heat capacity can generate mesoscale weather features, but none have shown the role such variations play in an actual, complex setting. The research to be conducted is an outgrowth of Dr. Ulrickson's Ph.D. thesis research in which a number of the observed mesoscale features in Los Angeles Basin were simulated. A better parameterization of surface properties is considered the next major improvement on the model. This reserach should bring a better understanding of the interaction between surface forcing and mesoscale circulations.
