9224595 Lin Internal gravity waves are ubiquitous phenomenon in and around deep convective storms. Their influence on local weather conditions, however, has still not been fully investigated. In this study, the Principal Investigator will use theoretical studies and numerical model to improve scientific understanding of the dynamics of mesoscale thermal or mechanical forcing in shear flows with critical levels. To accomplish this objective the following specific questions will be addressed: What are the transient and nonlinear responses of a shear flow with a critical level to thermal forcing? How does the wave-outflow interaction affect the formation of a density current in a structured atmosphere? What is the ducting mechanism and the nonlinear effects of a structured atmosphere with a shear layer and critical level? What is the condition for wave trapping in a structured atmosphere with jet-like basic flow and forcing existing in the vicinity or above the critical level? What are the moist and rotational effects in a shear flow with thermal forcing? ***
