9633228 Wilhelmson The Principal Investigator will use existing observational data and a state of the art three-dimensional mesoscale numerical model to investigate a range of convective phenomena such as squall lines, severe storms, tornadoes, and gust fronts. Specific research objectives include: furthering the understanding of non-supercell tornadoes that form along low level air mass boundaries; investigating the role of boundary layer convergence/shear lines on the genesis of waterspouts; studying the influence of horizontal shearing instability on initiation of deep convection; examining fine-scale supercell structure and evolution; studying the factors that control convective development along colliding outflow boundaries; exploring the turret scale dynamics and entrainment within cumuli and the role of boundary layer circulations in determining horizontal convective scales. Successful completion of this research will provide basic insights into atmospheric flows and guidance to those responsible for forecasting severe weather events. ***
