Observations have shown that orography significantly affects atmospheric fronts - their strength, propagation and precipitation - but the dynamics of the interaction between a front and orography are still not well understood. In particular, the interaction of the mountain and a front in the presence of a developing baroclinic system has not been investigated. Under this grant, the principal investigator will use a primitive equation numerical model to explore the dynamics of this interaction and to isolate the physical processes involved. The cold front will be forced by the shearing deformation associated with the nonlinear evolution of a baroclinic wave. The inclusion of temperature gradients provides a more realistic scenario than has been explored previously. The effects of mountain size and atmospheric stability, both in the presence and absence of moisture, will be investigated as well as the role of boundary processes and their effect on the vertical motion field. Finally, the principal investigator will study the effect of the mountains on precipitation associated with the front.***

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
Application #
8906113
Program Officer
Pamela L. Stephens
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1989-06-15
Budget End
1991-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
$117,838
Indirect Cost
Name
Suny at Albany
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Albany
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12222