The purpose of this research is to study the effects of a parameterization of orographically induced gravity wave drag in a limited area model and examine its impact on two types of weather events. A series of short-range forecast sensitivity experiments will be conducted for the cases of a midlatitude lee cyclone and a monsoon depression over the Indian subcontinent. Forecasts using this new parameterization will be compared with others in which an enhanced or "envelope" topography is used. The effects of including shallow convection and increasing model resolution will also be examined. A number of diagnostic calculations will be made to better understand the formation and maintenance of these storms. This grant represents a research initiation award under the National Science Foundation's Research Opportunities for Women Program.
