Cotton and his group will continue their research on the analysis and numerical simulation of convective storms. They will focus on multi-scale aspects (organization of convective cells into lines and clusters, interaction with synoptic scale systems) and on the genesis of severe weather events (flash floods, strong winds, tornadoes). The work combines the use of an interactive, nested- grid model, viz. CSU's Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) with analysis of data gathered by high-resolution observational systems, including the CHILL-radar, a national research facility housed at CSU. The linkage between modelling and observations provides iterative testing of hypotheses by numerical simulations, validation and refinement of the models and objectively analysed documentation of storms. This last function will depend on four dimensional data assimalation procedures (4DDA) to be developed. A significant element of the planned work lies in new developments in the RAMS' physics and numerics. Cotton's past record of productivity (in students and public- ations) foreshadows a significant contribution toward meeting the demands generated by the U.S. Weather Research Program, and the national effort in weather system modernization over the next decade.
