Air flow over large scale topography
By: by Mary Alice Rennick, Roger T. Williams
Contributors: Williams, Roger Terry, 1936-; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Dept. of Meteorology
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1989
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Subjects: MOUNTAINS; AIR FLOW; ATMOSPHERE MODELS
Other titles: NPS-63-89-003.
Description: This project studied the two aspects of topographic influence on transient atmospheric motions: 1) Lee Cyclogenesis. It is observed that cyclones frequently form on the lee side of mid-latitude mountain ranges. This problem is investigated with a long mountain range which is perpendicular to a vertically sheared basic current. The prediction equations are solved with both analytic and numerical methods. It is found that lee cyclogenesis can be partially explained by a superposition effect involving a counterclockwise rotating cyclone and a clockwise rotation circulation forced by the mountain range. 2) Effects of topography on fronts. It is often observed that fronts are strongly affected by topography. A two-dimensional numerical model is used for this study. The model predicts the formation of fronts through the effects of a confluent horizontal wind field. When a front is placed on the upwind side of a mountain range, it weakens relative to the no-mountain solution as it moves up the slope, and it strengthens as it moves down the lee slope. The collapse of a front to very small scales is studied with a non-hydrostatic numerical model. It is found that this process excites gravity waves. Keywords: Meteorological fronts; Topographic effects; Mathematical prediction; Atmosphere models. (EDC)
Notes: Title from cover.

"NPS-63-89-003."

"June 1989."

ADA211799.

"Final report for period 1 Oct 86 to 31 Mar 89."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 15-16)

NSF-ATM84-05276

NSF-ATM86-10354

aq/aq cc:9116 12/19/97