[Objective] One mesoscale system of rainstorm in the warm zone in Nansha area during June 8 and 9 in 2009 was studied.[Method] By dint of routine meteorological observation data,NCEP reanalysis data,FY-2C TBB,and wind...[Objective] One mesoscale system of rainstorm in the warm zone in Nansha area during June 8 and 9 in 2009 was studied.[Method] By dint of routine meteorological observation data,NCEP reanalysis data,FY-2C TBB,and wind line data,etc.,the circulation situation,physics field,and the activity of convection system of mesoscale of one rainstorm in the warm zone of Nansha during June 8 and 9 in 2009 were expounded so as to explore the causes of such rainstorm.[Result] The rainstorm had distinct convection nature,with large precipitation intensity,uneven distribution,and short timeliness.Most precipitation fell in 5 hours.And the rainstorm in the warm zone was directly related to the activity of meso-convective system and was resulted from moderate β scale convection system(Mβcss).The flux field of the high layer of convection layer had fine absorption effect.Coordinating with the southwest and south field at middle and low 500 and 850 hPa in the middle and lower layer to converge around the Zhujiang Delta,it provided unstable condition and humidity for the rainstorm in Nansha area.The advantageous combination of flux in convective layer,vortex and vertical speed field and the sufficient water supply provided dynamic and water vapor guarantee for the generation of rainstorm in the Nansha area.The vertical speed of <-0.3 m/s reflected the beginning of precipitation and the smaller the vertical speed was,the stronger the precipitation intensity became.[Conclusion] It provided reference for the report of rainstorm of such kind in the future.展开更多
Accurately simulating mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)is essential for predicting global precipitation patterns and extreme weather events.Despite the ability of advanced models to reproduce MCS climate statistics,c...Accurately simulating mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)is essential for predicting global precipitation patterns and extreme weather events.Despite the ability of advanced models to reproduce MCS climate statistics,capturing extreme storm cases over complex terrain remains challenging.This study utilizes the Global–Regional Integrated Forecast System(GRIST)with variable resolution to simulate an eastward-propagating MCS event.The impact of three microphysics schemes,including two single-moment schemes(WSM6,Lin)and one double-moment scheme(Morrison),on the model sensitivity of MCS precipitation simulations is investigated.The results demonstrate that while all the schemes capture the spatial distribution and temporal variation of MCS precipitation,the Morrison scheme alleviates overestimated precipitation compared to the Lin and WSM6 schemes.The ascending motion gradually becomes weaker in the Morrison scheme during the MCS movement process.Compared to the runs with convection parameterization,the explicit-convection setup at 3.5-km resolution reduces disparities in atmospheric dynamics due to microphysics sensitivity in terms of vertical motions and horizontal kinetic energy at the high-wavenumber regimes.The explicit-convection setup more accurately captures the propagation of both main and secondary precipitation centers during the MCS development,diminishing the differences in both precipitation intensity and propagation features between the Morrison and two single-moment schemes.These findings underscore the importance of microphysics schemes for global nonhydrostatic modeling at the kilometer scale.The role of explicit convection for reducing model uncertainty is also outlined.展开更多
Improvement in two aspects is done of the one-level mesoscale numerical model of Mass et al.(1985)and the re- vised model is used to make a simulation of a severe convective weather process in North China,with the res...Improvement in two aspects is done of the one-level mesoscale numerical model of Mass et al.(1985)and the re- vised model is used to make a simulation of a severe convective weather process in North China,with the result showing the pronounced effects of the topography upon the mesoscale systems.展开更多
The mesoscale numerical weather prediction model (MM4) in which the computations of the turbulent exchange coefficient in the boundary layer and surface fluxes are improved, is used to study the influences of boundary...The mesoscale numerical weather prediction model (MM4) in which the computations of the turbulent exchange coefficient in the boundary layer and surface fluxes are improved, is used to study the influences of boundary layer parameterization schemes on the predictive results of the mesoscale model. Seven different experiment schemes (including the original MM4 model) designed in this paper are tested by the observational data of several heavy rain cases so as to find an improved boundary layer parameterization scheme in the mesoscale meteorological model. The results show that all the seven different boundary layer parameterization schemes have some influences on the forecasts of precipitation intensity, distribution of rain area, vertical velocity, vorticity and divergence fields, and the improved schemes in this paper can improve the precipitation forecast. Key words Boundary layer parameterization - Mesoscale numerical weather prediction (MNWP) - Turbulent exchange coefficient - Surface fluxes - Heavy rain This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 49875005 and No. 49735180).展开更多
Data from the Beijing SAFIR 3000 lightning detection system and Doppler radar provided some insights into the three-dimensional lightning structure and evolution of a leading-line and trailing-stratiform （LLTS） meso...Data from the Beijing SAFIR 3000 lightning detection system and Doppler radar provided some insights into the three-dimensional lightning structure and evolution of a leading-line and trailing-stratiform （LLTS） mesoscale convective system （MCS） over Beijing on 31 July 2007. Most of the lightning in the LLTS-MCS was intracloud （IC） lightning, while the mean ratio of positive cloud-to-ground （＋CG） lightning to –CG lightning was 1：4, which was higher than the average value from previous studies. The majority of CG lightning occurred in the convective region of the radar echo, particularly at the leading edge of the front. Little IC lightning and little ＋CG lightning occurred in the stratiform region. The distribution of the CG lightning indicated that the storm had a tilted dipole structure given the wind shear or the tripole charge structure. During the storm’s development, most of the IC lightning occurred at an altitude of ～9.5 km; the lightning rate reached its maximum at 10.5 km, the altitude of IC lightning in the mature stage of the storm. When the thunderstorm began to dissipate, the altitude of the IC lightning decreased gradually. The spatial distribution of lightning was well correlated with the rainfall on the ground, although the peak value of rainfall appeared 75 min later than the peak lightning rate.展开更多
In this paper, we report the location results for the parent lightning strokes of more than 30 red sprites observed over an asymmetric mesoscale convective system(MCS) on 30 July 2015 in Shandong Province, China, with...In this paper, we report the location results for the parent lightning strokes of more than 30 red sprites observed over an asymmetric mesoscale convective system(MCS) on 30 July 2015 in Shandong Province, China, with a long-baseline lightning location network of very-low-frequency/low-frequency magnetic field sensors. The results show that almost all of these cloud-to-ground(CG) strokes are produced during the mature stage of the MCS, and are predominantly located in the trailing stratiform region, which is similar to analyses of sprite-productive MCSs in North America and Europe. Comparison between the location results for the sprite-producing CG strokes and those provided by the World Wide Lightning Location Network(WWLLN) indicates that the location accuracy of WWLLN for intense CG strokes in Shandong Province is typically within 10 km, which is consistent with the result based on analysis of 2838 sprite-producing CG strokes in the continental United States. Also, we analyze two cases where some minor lightning discharges in the parent flash of sprites can also be located, providing an approach to confine the thundercloud region tapped by the sprite-producing CG strokes.展开更多
The multi-scale weather systems associated with a mei-yu front and the corresponding heavy precipitation during a particular heavy rainfall event that occurred on 4 5 July 2003 in east China were successfully simulate...The multi-scale weather systems associated with a mei-yu front and the corresponding heavy precipitation during a particular heavy rainfall event that occurred on 4 5 July 2003 in east China were successfully simulated through rainfall assimilation using the PSU/NCAR non-hydrostatic, mesoscale, numerical model （MM5） and its four-dimensional, variational, data assimilation （4DVAR） system. For this case, the improvement of the process via the 4DVAR rainfall assimilation into the simulation of mesoscale precipitation systems is investigated. With the rainfall assimilation, the convection is triggered at the right location and time, and the evolution and spatial distribution of the mesoscale convective systems （MCSs） are also more correctly simulated. Through the interactions between MCSs and the weather systems at different scales, including the low-level jet and mei-yu front, the simulation of the entire mei-yu weather system is significantly improved, both during the data assimilation window and the subsequent 12-h period. The results suggest that the rainfall assimilation first provides positive impact at the convective scale and the influences are then propagated upscale to the meso- and sub-synoptic scales. Through a set of sensitive experiments designed to evaluate the impact of different initial variables on the simulation of mei-yu heavy rainfall, it was found that the moisture field and meridional wind had the strongest effect during the convection initialization stage, however, after the convection was fully triggered, all of the variables at the initial condition seemed to have comparable importance.展开更多
Two intense quasi-linear mesoscale convective systems（QLMCSs） in northern China were simulated using the WRF（Weather Research and Forecasting） model and the 3D-Var（three-dimensional variational） analysis system ...Two intense quasi-linear mesoscale convective systems（QLMCSs） in northern China were simulated using the WRF（Weather Research and Forecasting） model and the 3D-Var（three-dimensional variational） analysis system of the ARPS（Advanced Regional Prediction System） model.A new method in which the lightning density is calculated using both the precipitation and non-precipitation ice mass was developed to reveal the relationship between the lightning activities and QLMCS structures.Results indicate that,compared with calculating the results using two previous methods,the lightning density calculated using the new method presented in this study is in better accordance with observations.Based on the calculated lightning densities using the new method,it was found that most lightning activity was initiated on the right side and at the front of the QLMCSs,where the surface wind field converged intensely.The CAPE was much stronger ahead of the southeastward progressing QLMCS than to the back it,and their lightning events mainly occurred in regions with a large gradient of CAPE.Comparisons between lightning and non-lightning regions indicated that lightning regions featured more intense ascending motion than non-lightning regions;the vertical ranges of maximum reflectivity between lightning and non-lightning regions were very different;and the ice mixing ratio featured no significant differences between the lightning and non-lightning regions.展开更多
Observational analysis shows that a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) occurred on May 13-14 2004 along the coastal area in South China. The MCS initiated among the southwesterly flows within a west-east orientation lo...Observational analysis shows that a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) occurred on May 13-14 2004 along the coastal area in South China. The MCS initiated among the southwesterly flows within a west-east orientation low-level shear line. Associated with the system, in its subsequent development stages, no distinct vortex circulation developed in low-level. Instead, a cyclonic flow disturbance was observed in the mid-troposphere. How the convection starts to develop and evolve into a MCS With observational analysis and numerical simulation, the problem has been studied. The high-resolution MM5 simulation shows that topographic convergence along the coastal line and the nearby mountains in western South China plays an important role to initiate the MCS convection. Once the convection occurs, due to the condensation heating, a cooperative interaction between the preexisting mid-level disturbance and convection is created, which may greatly affect the MCS development during periods when the system continues moving eastward. Compared to some typical MCS that happen in Southern China, which are usually accompanied with upward development of cyclonic vorticity, the development and evolution of the investigated MCS shows distinguishing features. In this article, the physical mechanisms responsible for the intensification of mid-level disturbance are discussed, and a viewpoint to interpret the effects of mid-level disturbance on the MCS organizational development is proposed.展开更多
Progress over the past decade in understanding moisture-driven dynamics and torrential rain storms in China is reviewed in this paper. First, advances in incorporating moisture effects more realistically into theory a...Progress over the past decade in understanding moisture-driven dynamics and torrential rain storms in China is reviewed in this paper. First, advances in incorporating moisture effects more realistically into theory are described, including the development of a new parameter, generalized moist potential vorticity（GMPV） and an improved moist ageostrophic Q vector（Qum）. Advances in vorticity dynamics are also described, including the adoption of a ＂parcel dynamic＂ approach to investigate the development of the vertical vorticity of an air parcel; a novel theory of slantwise vorticity development, proposed because vorticity develops easily near steep isentropic surfaces; and the development of the convective vorticity vector（CVV）as an effective new tool. The significant progress in both frontal dynamics and wave dynamics is also summarized, including the geostrophic adjustment of initial unbalanced flow and the dual role of boundary layer friction in frontogenesis, as well as the interaction between topography and fronts, which indicate that topographic perturbations alter both frontogenesis and frontal structure. For atmospheric vortices, mixed wave/vortex dynamics has been extended to explain the propagation of spiral rainbands and the development of dynamical instability in tropical cyclones. Finally, we review wave and basic flow interaction in torrential rainfall, for which it was necessary to extend existing theory from large-scale flows to mesoscale fields, enriching our knowledge of mesoscale atmospheric dynamics.展开更多
Sprites are brief optical emissions occurring above thunderstorms. Features of sprites and their parent thunderstorms and lightning activities have been studied by many researchers. Here, we report a single sprite rec...Sprites are brief optical emissions occurring above thunderstorms. Features of sprites and their parent thunderstorms and lightning activities have been studied by many researchers. Here, we report a single sprite recorded over a mesoscale convective system during its life cycle in Northeast China. The results show that the sprite might have been a dancing one, with a 20 km horizontal displacement from its parent cloud-to-ground flash （CG） and a 38 ms time delay; all the sprite elements occurred during the continuing current process of the parent flash. The peak current of the parent CG was the largest during the almost one-hour time window containing the sprite, and the absolute values of all the negative flashes were smaller than 100 kA during the same time period and did not produce sprite. The sprite did not occur during the time period in which the maximum area of the thunderstorm reached. The occurrence of sprite corresponded well with the decay of the thunderstorm convection, and no significant relationship between the occurrence of sprite and the increase in the 30-35 dBZ and 35-40 dBZ interval was found. The large wind gradient in the 8-12 km region of the thunderstorm may have played an important role in the sprite production.展开更多
Based on the previous statistical analysis of mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)over the second-step terrain along Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley,eight representative long-lived eastward-propagating MCSs are selected for...Based on the previous statistical analysis of mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)over the second-step terrain along Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley,eight representative long-lived eastward-propagating MCSs are selected for model-based sensitivity testing to investigate the initiation and evolution of these types of MCSs as well as their impact on downstream areas.We subject each MCS to a semi-idealized(CNTL)simulation and a sensitivity(NOLH)simulation that neglects condensational heating in the formation region.The CNTL experiment reveals convection forms in the region downstream of a shortwave trough typified by persistent southwesterly winds in the low-to midtroposphere.Upon merging with other convective systems,moist convection develops into an MCS,which propagates eastward under the influence of mid-tropospheric westerlies,and moves out of the second-step terrain.The MCS then merges with pre-existing local convection over the plains;the merged convection reinforces the cyclonic wind perturbation into a mesoscale vortex at 850 hPa.While this vortex moves eastward to regions with local vortex at 850 hPa,another vortex at 925 hPa is also intensified.Finally,the vortices at 850 and 925 hPa merge together and develop into a mesoscale convective vortex(MCV).In contrast,MCSs fail to form and move eastward in the NOLH experiment.In the absence of eastward-propagating MCSs,moist convection and mesoscale vortices still appear in the plains,but the vortex strength and precipitation intensity are significantly weakened.It is suggested the eastward-propagating MCSs over the second-step terrain significantly impact the development and enhancement of moist convection and vortices in the downstream areas.展开更多
A mesoscale convective system (MCS) developing over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau on 26 July 1995 is simulated using the fifth version of the Penn State-NCAR nonhydrostatic mesoscale model (MM5). The results obtained are...A mesoscale convective system (MCS) developing over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau on 26 July 1995 is simulated using the fifth version of the Penn State-NCAR nonhydrostatic mesoscale model (MM5). The results obtained are inspiring and are as follows. (1) The model simulates well the largescale conditions in which the MCS concerned is embedded, which are the well-known anticyclonic Qinghai-Xizang Plateau High in the upper layers and the strong thermal forcing in the lower layers. In particular, the model captures the meso-α scale cyclonic vortex associated with the MCS, which can be analyzed in the 500 hPa observational winds; and to some degree, the model reproduces even its meso-β scale substructure similar to satellite images, reflected in the model-simulated 400 hPa rainwater. On the other hand, there are some distinct deficiencies in the simulation; for example, the simulated MCS occurs with a lag of 3 hours and a westward deviation of 3–5° longitude. (2) The structure and evolution of the meso-α scale vortex associated with the MCS are undescribable for upper-air sounding data. The vortex is confined to the lower troposphere under 450 hPa over the plateau and shrinks its extent with height, with a diameter of 4° longitude at 500 hPa. It is within the updraft area, but with an upper-level anticyclone and downdraft over it. The vortex originates over the plateau, and does not form until the mature stage of the MCS. It lasts for 3–6 hours. In its processes of both formation and decay, the change in geopotential height field is prior to that in the wind field. It follows that the vortex is closely associated with the thermal effects over the plateau. (3) A series of sensitivity experiments are conducted to investigate the impact of various surface thermal forcings and other physical processes on the MCS over the plateau. The results indicate that under the background conditions of the upper-level Qinghai-Xizang High, the MCS involved is mainly dominated by the low-level thermal forcing. The simulation described here is a good indication that it may be possible to reproduce the MCS over the plateau under certain large-scale conditions and with the incorporation of proper thermal physics in the lower layers.展开更多
A cloud-resolving model simulation of a mesoscale convective system （MCS） producing torrential rainfall is performed with the finest horizontal resolution of 444 m. It is shown that the model reproduces the observed...A cloud-resolving model simulation of a mesoscale convective system （MCS） producing torrential rainfall is performed with the finest horizontal resolution of 444 m. It is shown that the model reproduces the observed MCS, including its rainfall distribution and amounts, as well as the timing and location of leading rainbands and trailing stratiform clouds. Results show that discrete convective hot towers, shown in Vis5D at a scale of 2-5 kin, are triggered by evaporatively driven cold outflows converging with the high-θe air ahead. Then, they move rearward, with respect to the leading rainbands, to form stratiform clouds. These convective towers generate vortical tubes of opposite signs, with more intense cyclonic vorticity occurring in the leading convergence zone. The results appear to have important implications for the improvement of summertime quantitative precipitation forecasts and the understanding of vortical hot towers, as well midlevel mesoscale convective vortices.展开更多
A series of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred daily over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau during 25–28 July 1995. In this paper, their physical characteristics and evolutions based on infrared satellite imagery,...A series of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred daily over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau during 25–28 July 1995. In this paper, their physical characteristics and evolutions based on infrared satellite imagery, their largescale meteorological conditions, and convective available potential energy (CAPE) are analyzed. It is found that similar diurnal evolution is present in all these MCSs. Their initial convective activities became active at noon LST by solar heating, and then built up rapidly. They formed and reached a peak in the early evening hours around 1800 LST and then abated gradually. Among them, the strongest and largest is the MCS on 26 July, which developed under the conditions of the great upper-level nearly-circular Qinghai-Xizang anticyclonic high and driven by the strong low-level thermal forcing and conditional instability. All these conditions are intimately linked with the thermal effects of the plateau itself. So its development was mainly associated with the relatively pure thermal effects peculiar to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The next strongest one is the MCS on 28 July, which was affected notably by the baroclinic zone linked with the westerly trough. There are different features and development mechanisms between these two strongest MCSs.展开更多
Numerical simulation of meso-β-scale convective cloud systems associated with a PRE-STORM MCC case has been carried out using a 2-D version of the CSU Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) nonhydrostatic model ...Numerical simulation of meso-β-scale convective cloud systems associated with a PRE-STORM MCC case has been carried out using a 2-D version of the CSU Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) nonhydrostatic model with parameterized microphysics. It is found that the predicted meso-r-scale convective phenomena arc basically unsteady under the situation of strong shear at low-levels, while the meso-β-scale convective system is maintained up to 3 hours or more. The meso -β- scale cloud system exhibits characteristics of a multi-celled convective storm in which the meso-r-scale convective cells have lifetime of about 30 min. Pressure perturbation depicts a meso-low after a half hour in the low levels. As the cloud system evolves, the meso-low intensifies and extends to the upshear side and covers the entire domain in the mid-lower levels with the peak values of 5-8 hPa. Temperature perturbation depicts a warm region in the middle levels through the entire simulation period. The meso-r-scale warm cores with peak values of 4-8 ℃ are associated with strong convective cells. The cloud top evaporation causes a stronger cold layer around the cloud top levels.Simulation of microphysics exhibits that graupel is primarily concentrated in the strong convective cells forming the main source of convective rainfall after one hour of simulation time. Aggregates are mainly located in the stratiform region and decaying convective cells which produce the stratiform rainfall. Riming of the ice crystals is the predominant precipitation formation mechanism in the convection region, whereas aggregation of ice crystals is the predominant one in the stratiform region, which is consistent with observations. Sensitivity experiments of ice-phase mierophysical processes show that the microphysical structures of the convective cloud system can be simulated better with the diagnosed aggregation collection efficiencies.展开更多
A mesoscale convective system(MCS) occurred over the East China coastal provinces and the East China Sea on 30April 2021, producing damaging surface winds near the coastal city Nantong with observed speeds reaching 45...A mesoscale convective system(MCS) occurred over the East China coastal provinces and the East China Sea on 30April 2021, producing damaging surface winds near the coastal city Nantong with observed speeds reaching 45 m s^(–1). A simulation using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with a 1.5-km grid spacing generally reproduces the development and subsequent organization of this convective system into an MCS, with an eastward protruding bow segment over the sea. In the simulation, an east-west-oriented high wind swath is generated behind the gust front of the MCS. Descending dry rear-to-front inflows behind the bow and trailing gust front are found to feed the downdrafts in the main precipitation regions. The inflows help to establish spreading cold outflows and enhance the downdrafts through evaporative cooling. Meanwhile, front-to-rear inflows from the south are present, associated with severely rearward-tilted updrafts initially forming over the gust front. Such inflows descend behind(north of) the gust front, significantly enhancing downdrafts and near-surface winds within the cold pool. Consistently, calculated trajectories show that these parcels that contribute to the derecho originate primarily from the region ahead(south) of the east-west-oriented gust front, and dry southwesterly flows in the low-to-middle levels contribute to strong downdrafts within the MCS. Moreover, momentum budget analyses reveal that a large westward-directed horizontal pressure gradient force within the simulated cold pool produced rapid flow acceleration towards Nantong. The analyses enrich the understanding of damaging wind characteristics over coastal East China and will prove helpful to operational forecasters.展开更多
Disaster weather forecasting is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, the trajectories of Mesoscale Convective Systems （MCSs） were automatically tracked over the Chinese Tibetan Plateau using Geostationary...Disaster weather forecasting is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, the trajectories of Mesoscale Convective Systems （MCSs） were automatically tracked over the Chinese Tibetan Plateau using Geostationary Meteorological Satellite （GMS） brightness temperature （Tbb） from June to August 1998, and the MCSs are classified according to their movement direction. Based on these, spatial data mining methods are used to study the relationships between MCSs trajectories and their environmental physical field values. Results indicate that at 400hPa level, the trajectories of MCSs moving across the 105°E boundary are less influenced by water vapor flux divergence, vertical wind velocity, reIative humidity and K index. In addition, if the gravity central longitude locations of MCSs are between 104°E and 105°E, then geopotential height and wind divergence are two main factors in movement causation. On the other hand, at 500hPa level, the trajectories of MCSs in a north-east direction are mainly influenced by K index and water vapor flux divergence when their central locations are less than 104°E. However, the MCSs moving in an east and south-east direction are influenced by a few correlation factors at this level.展开更多
In this paper, Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS) infrared black-body temperature (Tbb) data from June to August 1998 are used to automatically track the activity of Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) over th...In this paper, Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS) infrared black-body temperature (Tbb) data from June to August 1998 are used to automatically track the activity of Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) over the Tibetan Plateau in China. Consequently, the features of MCS, such as area, intensity, life cycle, activity region and shape, are obtained. High Resolution Limited Area Analysis and Forecasting System (HLAFS) values provided by China National Meteorological Center are used to study the relationships between the MCS trajectories and their environmental physical field values, based on the distribution and trajectories of MCSs over the Tibetan Plateau. Favorable environmental physical field charts of influencing MCS movement out of the Tibetan Plateau in different UTC (Universal Time Coordinate) are developed by using spatial data mining techniques at levels of 400hPa and 500hPa, respectively.展开更多
With multiple meteorological data, including precipitation from automatic weather stations, integrated satellite-based precipitation (CMORPH), brightness temperature (TBB), radar echoes and NCEP reanalysis, a rainstor...With multiple meteorological data, including precipitation from automatic weather stations, integrated satellite-based precipitation (CMORPH), brightness temperature (TBB), radar echoes and NCEP reanalysis, a rainstorm event, which occurred on May 26, 2007 over South China, is analyzed with the focus on the evolution characteristics of associated mesoscale-β convective systems (Mβcss). Results are shown as follows. (1) The rainstorm presents itself as a typical warm-sector event, for it occurs within a surface inverted trough and on the left side of a southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ), which shows no obvious features of baroclinicity. (2) The heavy rainfall event is directly related to at least three bodies of Mβcss with peak precipitation corresponding well to their mature stages. (3) The Mβcss manifest a backward propagation, which is marked with a new form of downstream convection different from the more usual type of forward propagation over South China, i.e., new convective systems mainly form at the rear part of older Mβcss. (4) Rainstorm-causing Mβcss form near the convergence region on the left side of an 850-hPa southwesterly LLJ, over which there are dominantly divergent air flows at 200 hPa. Different from the typical flow pattern of outward divergence off the east side of South Asia High, which is usually found to be over zones of heavy rains during the annually first rainy season of South China, this warm-sector heavy rain is below the divergence region formed between the easterly and southerly flows west of the South Asian High that is moving out to sea. (5) The LLJ transports abundant amount of warm and moist air to the heavy rainfall area, providing advantageous conditions for highly unstable energy to generate and store at middle and high levels, where corresponding low-level warm advection may be playing a more direct role in the development of Mβcss. As a triggering mechanism for organized convective systems, the effect of low-level warm advection deserves more of our attention. Based on the analysis of surface mesoscale airflow in the article, possible triggering mechanisms for Mβcss are also discussed.展开更多
文摘[Objective] One mesoscale system of rainstorm in the warm zone in Nansha area during June 8 and 9 in 2009 was studied.[Method] By dint of routine meteorological observation data,NCEP reanalysis data,FY-2C TBB,and wind line data,etc.,the circulation situation,physics field,and the activity of convection system of mesoscale of one rainstorm in the warm zone of Nansha during June 8 and 9 in 2009 were expounded so as to explore the causes of such rainstorm.[Result] The rainstorm had distinct convection nature,with large precipitation intensity,uneven distribution,and short timeliness.Most precipitation fell in 5 hours.And the rainstorm in the warm zone was directly related to the activity of meso-convective system and was resulted from moderate β scale convection system(Mβcss).The flux field of the high layer of convection layer had fine absorption effect.Coordinating with the southwest and south field at middle and low 500 and 850 hPa in the middle and lower layer to converge around the Zhujiang Delta,it provided unstable condition and humidity for the rainstorm in Nansha area.The advantageous combination of flux in convective layer,vortex and vertical speed field and the sufficient water supply provided dynamic and water vapor guarantee for the generation of rainstorm in the Nansha area.The vertical speed of <-0.3 m/s reflected the beginning of precipitation and the smaller the vertical speed was,the stronger the precipitation intensity became.[Conclusion] It provided reference for the report of rainstorm of such kind in the future.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42305169)the Basic Research Fund of CAMS(Grant No.2023Y001)the National Key Scientific and Technological Infrastructure project“Earth System Numerical Simulation Facility”(Earth Lab)。
文摘Accurately simulating mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)is essential for predicting global precipitation patterns and extreme weather events.Despite the ability of advanced models to reproduce MCS climate statistics,capturing extreme storm cases over complex terrain remains challenging.This study utilizes the Global–Regional Integrated Forecast System(GRIST)with variable resolution to simulate an eastward-propagating MCS event.The impact of three microphysics schemes,including two single-moment schemes(WSM6,Lin)and one double-moment scheme(Morrison),on the model sensitivity of MCS precipitation simulations is investigated.The results demonstrate that while all the schemes capture the spatial distribution and temporal variation of MCS precipitation,the Morrison scheme alleviates overestimated precipitation compared to the Lin and WSM6 schemes.The ascending motion gradually becomes weaker in the Morrison scheme during the MCS movement process.Compared to the runs with convection parameterization,the explicit-convection setup at 3.5-km resolution reduces disparities in atmospheric dynamics due to microphysics sensitivity in terms of vertical motions and horizontal kinetic energy at the high-wavenumber regimes.The explicit-convection setup more accurately captures the propagation of both main and secondary precipitation centers during the MCS development,diminishing the differences in both precipitation intensity and propagation features between the Morrison and two single-moment schemes.These findings underscore the importance of microphysics schemes for global nonhydrostatic modeling at the kilometer scale.The role of explicit convection for reducing model uncertainty is also outlined.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Improvement in two aspects is done of the one-level mesoscale numerical model of Mass et al.(1985)and the re- vised model is used to make a simulation of a severe convective weather process in North China,with the result showing the pronounced effects of the topography upon the mesoscale systems.
文摘The mesoscale numerical weather prediction model (MM4) in which the computations of the turbulent exchange coefficient in the boundary layer and surface fluxes are improved, is used to study the influences of boundary layer parameterization schemes on the predictive results of the mesoscale model. Seven different experiment schemes (including the original MM4 model) designed in this paper are tested by the observational data of several heavy rain cases so as to find an improved boundary layer parameterization scheme in the mesoscale meteorological model. The results show that all the seven different boundary layer parameterization schemes have some influences on the forecasts of precipitation intensity, distribution of rain area, vertical velocity, vorticity and divergence fields, and the improved schemes in this paper can improve the precipitation forecast. Key words Boundary layer parameterization - Mesoscale numerical weather prediction (MNWP) - Turbulent exchange coefficient - Surface fluxes - Heavy rain This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 49875005 and No. 49735180).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No. 40930949)Key Subject Project of Beijing Atmospheric Physics and Environment,the One Hundred Person Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Data from the Beijing SAFIR 3000 lightning detection system and Doppler radar provided some insights into the three-dimensional lightning structure and evolution of a leading-line and trailing-stratiform （LLTS） mesoscale convective system （MCS） over Beijing on 31 July 2007. Most of the lightning in the LLTS-MCS was intracloud （IC） lightning, while the mean ratio of positive cloud-to-ground （＋CG） lightning to –CG lightning was 1：4, which was higher than the average value from previous studies. The majority of CG lightning occurred in the convective region of the radar echo, particularly at the leading edge of the front. Little IC lightning and little ＋CG lightning occurred in the stratiform region. The distribution of the CG lightning indicated that the storm had a tilted dipole structure given the wind shear or the tripole charge structure. During the storm’s development, most of the IC lightning occurred at an altitude of ～9.5 km; the lightning rate reached its maximum at 10.5 km, the altitude of IC lightning in the mature stage of the storm. When the thunderstorm began to dissipate, the altitude of the IC lightning decreased gradually. The spatial distribution of lightning was well correlated with the rainfall on the ground, although the peak value of rainfall appeared 75 min later than the peak lightning rate.
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development (973) Program of China (Grant No. 2014CB441405)the Open Research Program of the Key Laboratory of Meteorological Disaster (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology) of the Ministry of Education (Grant No. KLME1414)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41574179)the Natural Science Foundation of Excellent Youth Program of China (Grant No. 41622501)“The Hundred Talents Program” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 2013068)
文摘In this paper, we report the location results for the parent lightning strokes of more than 30 red sprites observed over an asymmetric mesoscale convective system(MCS) on 30 July 2015 in Shandong Province, China, with a long-baseline lightning location network of very-low-frequency/low-frequency magnetic field sensors. The results show that almost all of these cloud-to-ground(CG) strokes are produced during the mature stage of the MCS, and are predominantly located in the trailing stratiform region, which is similar to analyses of sprite-productive MCSs in North America and Europe. Comparison between the location results for the sprite-producing CG strokes and those provided by the World Wide Lightning Location Network(WWLLN) indicates that the location accuracy of WWLLN for intense CG strokes in Shandong Province is typically within 10 km, which is consistent with the result based on analysis of 2838 sprite-producing CG strokes in the continental United States. Also, we analyze two cases where some minor lightning discharges in the parent flash of sprites can also be located, providing an approach to confine the thundercloud region tapped by the sprite-producing CG strokes.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 40325014, 40333031SRFDP, TRAP0YT, FANEDD 11999, and under the support of The Key Scientific and Technological Project of the Ministry of Education The State Key Basic Research Program （Grant No. 2004CB18300）.
文摘The multi-scale weather systems associated with a mei-yu front and the corresponding heavy precipitation during a particular heavy rainfall event that occurred on 4 5 July 2003 in east China were successfully simulated through rainfall assimilation using the PSU/NCAR non-hydrostatic, mesoscale, numerical model （MM5） and its four-dimensional, variational, data assimilation （4DVAR） system. For this case, the improvement of the process via the 4DVAR rainfall assimilation into the simulation of mesoscale precipitation systems is investigated. With the rainfall assimilation, the convection is triggered at the right location and time, and the evolution and spatial distribution of the mesoscale convective systems （MCSs） are also more correctly simulated. Through the interactions between MCSs and the weather systems at different scales, including the low-level jet and mei-yu front, the simulation of the entire mei-yu weather system is significantly improved, both during the data assimilation window and the subsequent 12-h period. The results suggest that the rainfall assimilation first provides positive impact at the convective scale and the influences are then propagated upscale to the meso- and sub-synoptic scales. Through a set of sensitive experiments designed to evaluate the impact of different initial variables on the simulation of mei-yu heavy rainfall, it was found that the moisture field and meridional wind had the strongest effect during the convection initialization stage, however, after the convection was fully triggered, all of the variables at the initial condition seemed to have comparable importance.
基金supported jointly by the National Key Basic Research and Development (973) Program of China (Grant No. 2014CB441401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41405007, 41175043, 41475002, and 41205027)
文摘Two intense quasi-linear mesoscale convective systems（QLMCSs） in northern China were simulated using the WRF（Weather Research and Forecasting） model and the 3D-Var（three-dimensional variational） analysis system of the ARPS（Advanced Regional Prediction System） model.A new method in which the lightning density is calculated using both the precipitation and non-precipitation ice mass was developed to reveal the relationship between the lightning activities and QLMCS structures.Results indicate that,compared with calculating the results using two previous methods,the lightning density calculated using the new method presented in this study is in better accordance with observations.Based on the calculated lightning densities using the new method,it was found that most lightning activity was initiated on the right side and at the front of the QLMCSs,where the surface wind field converged intensely.The CAPE was much stronger ahead of the southeastward progressing QLMCS than to the back it,and their lightning events mainly occurred in regions with a large gradient of CAPE.Comparisons between lightning and non-lightning regions indicated that lightning regions featured more intense ascending motion than non-lightning regions;the vertical ranges of maximum reflectivity between lightning and non-lightning regions were very different;and the ice mixing ratio featured no significant differences between the lightning and non-lightning regions.
基金Fundamental Scientific Research Condition, a project of Ministry of Science & Technology(2003DIB4J145)Key Scientific Project for Guangdong Province (2004B32601002)
文摘Observational analysis shows that a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) occurred on May 13-14 2004 along the coastal area in South China. The MCS initiated among the southwesterly flows within a west-east orientation low-level shear line. Associated with the system, in its subsequent development stages, no distinct vortex circulation developed in low-level. Instead, a cyclonic flow disturbance was observed in the mid-troposphere. How the convection starts to develop and evolve into a MCS With observational analysis and numerical simulation, the problem has been studied. The high-resolution MM5 simulation shows that topographic convergence along the coastal line and the nearby mountains in western South China plays an important role to initiate the MCS convection. Once the convection occurs, due to the condensation heating, a cooperative interaction between the preexisting mid-level disturbance and convection is created, which may greatly affect the MCS development during periods when the system continues moving eastward. Compared to some typical MCS that happen in Southern China, which are usually accompanied with upward development of cyclonic vorticity, the development and evolution of the investigated MCS shows distinguishing features. In this article, the physical mechanisms responsible for the intensification of mid-level disturbance are discussed, and a viewpoint to interpret the effects of mid-level disturbance on the MCS organizational development is proposed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 91437215 and 41375052)State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Open Project (Grant No. 2013LASW-A06)the Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZZD-EW05-01)
文摘Progress over the past decade in understanding moisture-driven dynamics and torrential rain storms in China is reviewed in this paper. First, advances in incorporating moisture effects more realistically into theory are described, including the development of a new parameter, generalized moist potential vorticity（GMPV） and an improved moist ageostrophic Q vector（Qum）. Advances in vorticity dynamics are also described, including the adoption of a ＂parcel dynamic＂ approach to investigate the development of the vertical vorticity of an air parcel; a novel theory of slantwise vorticity development, proposed because vorticity develops easily near steep isentropic surfaces; and the development of the convective vorticity vector（CVV）as an effective new tool. The significant progress in both frontal dynamics and wave dynamics is also summarized, including the geostrophic adjustment of initial unbalanced flow and the dual role of boundary layer friction in frontogenesis, as well as the interaction between topography and fronts, which indicate that topographic perturbations alter both frontogenesis and frontal structure. For atmospheric vortices, mixed wave/vortex dynamics has been extended to explain the propagation of spiral rainbands and the development of dynamical instability in tropical cyclones. Finally, we review wave and basic flow interaction in torrential rainfall, for which it was necessary to extend existing theory from large-scale flows to mesoscale fields, enriching our knowledge of mesoscale atmospheric dynamics.
基金supported jointly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41374153 and 41574141)the High Resolution Earth Observation Funds for Young Scientists(Grant No.GFZX04060103-711)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.2013053)
文摘Sprites are brief optical emissions occurring above thunderstorms. Features of sprites and their parent thunderstorms and lightning activities have been studied by many researchers. Here, we report a single sprite recorded over a mesoscale convective system during its life cycle in Northeast China. The results show that the sprite might have been a dancing one, with a 20 km horizontal displacement from its parent cloud-to-ground flash （CG） and a 38 ms time delay; all the sprite elements occurred during the continuing current process of the parent flash. The peak current of the parent CG was the largest during the almost one-hour time window containing the sprite, and the absolute values of all the negative flashes were smaller than 100 kA during the same time period and did not produce sprite. The sprite did not occur during the time period in which the maximum area of the thunderstorm reached. The occurrence of sprite corresponded well with the decay of the thunderstorm convection, and no significant relationship between the occurrence of sprite and the increase in the 30-35 dBZ and 35-40 dBZ interval was found. The large wind gradient in the 8-12 km region of the thunderstorm may have played an important role in the sprite production.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2018YFC1507200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41975057).
文摘Based on the previous statistical analysis of mesoscale convective systems(MCSs)over the second-step terrain along Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley,eight representative long-lived eastward-propagating MCSs are selected for model-based sensitivity testing to investigate the initiation and evolution of these types of MCSs as well as their impact on downstream areas.We subject each MCS to a semi-idealized(CNTL)simulation and a sensitivity(NOLH)simulation that neglects condensational heating in the formation region.The CNTL experiment reveals convection forms in the region downstream of a shortwave trough typified by persistent southwesterly winds in the low-to midtroposphere.Upon merging with other convective systems,moist convection develops into an MCS,which propagates eastward under the influence of mid-tropospheric westerlies,and moves out of the second-step terrain.The MCS then merges with pre-existing local convection over the plains;the merged convection reinforces the cyclonic wind perturbation into a mesoscale vortex at 850 hPa.While this vortex moves eastward to regions with local vortex at 850 hPa,another vortex at 925 hPa is also intensified.Finally,the vortices at 850 and 925 hPa merge together and develop into a mesoscale convective vortex(MCV).In contrast,MCSs fail to form and move eastward in the NOLH experiment.In the absence of eastward-propagating MCSs,moist convection and mesoscale vortices still appear in the plains,but the vortex strength and precipitation intensity are significantly weakened.It is suggested the eastward-propagating MCSs over the second-step terrain significantly impact the development and enhancement of moist convection and vortices in the downstream areas.
基金the Chinese National Climbing Project"The Tibetan PlateauMeteorological Experiment"and in part by the NationalNatural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.49675296.
文摘A mesoscale convective system (MCS) developing over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau on 26 July 1995 is simulated using the fifth version of the Penn State-NCAR nonhydrostatic mesoscale model (MM5). The results obtained are inspiring and are as follows. (1) The model simulates well the largescale conditions in which the MCS concerned is embedded, which are the well-known anticyclonic Qinghai-Xizang Plateau High in the upper layers and the strong thermal forcing in the lower layers. In particular, the model captures the meso-α scale cyclonic vortex associated with the MCS, which can be analyzed in the 500 hPa observational winds; and to some degree, the model reproduces even its meso-β scale substructure similar to satellite images, reflected in the model-simulated 400 hPa rainwater. On the other hand, there are some distinct deficiencies in the simulation; for example, the simulated MCS occurs with a lag of 3 hours and a westward deviation of 3–5° longitude. (2) The structure and evolution of the meso-α scale vortex associated with the MCS are undescribable for upper-air sounding data. The vortex is confined to the lower troposphere under 450 hPa over the plateau and shrinks its extent with height, with a diameter of 4° longitude at 500 hPa. It is within the updraft area, but with an upper-level anticyclone and downdraft over it. The vortex originates over the plateau, and does not form until the mature stage of the MCS. It lasts for 3–6 hours. In its processes of both formation and decay, the change in geopotential height field is prior to that in the wind field. It follows that the vortex is closely associated with the thermal effects over the plateau. (3) A series of sensitivity experiments are conducted to investigate the impact of various surface thermal forcings and other physical processes on the MCS over the plateau. The results indicate that under the background conditions of the upper-level Qinghai-Xizang High, the MCS involved is mainly dominated by the low-level thermal forcing. The simulation described here is a good indication that it may be possible to reproduce the MCS over the plateau under certain large-scale conditions and with the incorporation of proper thermal physics in the lower layers.
基金supported by Jiangsu Education Science Foundation (Grant No.07KJB170065)Chinese National Science Foundation (Grant No.40775060)U.S.National Science Foundation (Grant No.ATM0758609)
文摘A cloud-resolving model simulation of a mesoscale convective system （MCS） producing torrential rainfall is performed with the finest horizontal resolution of 444 m. It is shown that the model reproduces the observed MCS, including its rainfall distribution and amounts, as well as the timing and location of leading rainbands and trailing stratiform clouds. Results show that discrete convective hot towers, shown in Vis5D at a scale of 2-5 kin, are triggered by evaporatively driven cold outflows converging with the high-θe air ahead. Then, they move rearward, with respect to the leading rainbands, to form stratiform clouds. These convective towers generate vortical tubes of opposite signs, with more intense cyclonic vorticity occurring in the leading convergence zone. The results appear to have important implications for the improvement of summertime quantitative precipitation forecasts and the understanding of vortical hot towers, as well midlevel mesoscale convective vortices.
基金the Chinese National Climbing Project"The Tibetan Plateau Meteorological Experiment"and in part by the Naltional Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.49675296.
文摘A series of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred daily over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau during 25–28 July 1995. In this paper, their physical characteristics and evolutions based on infrared satellite imagery, their largescale meteorological conditions, and convective available potential energy (CAPE) are analyzed. It is found that similar diurnal evolution is present in all these MCSs. Their initial convective activities became active at noon LST by solar heating, and then built up rapidly. They formed and reached a peak in the early evening hours around 1800 LST and then abated gradually. Among them, the strongest and largest is the MCS on 26 July, which developed under the conditions of the great upper-level nearly-circular Qinghai-Xizang anticyclonic high and driven by the strong low-level thermal forcing and conditional instability. All these conditions are intimately linked with the thermal effects of the plateau itself. So its development was mainly associated with the relatively pure thermal effects peculiar to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The next strongest one is the MCS on 28 July, which was affected notably by the baroclinic zone linked with the westerly trough. There are different features and development mechanisms between these two strongest MCSs.
文摘Numerical simulation of meso-β-scale convective cloud systems associated with a PRE-STORM MCC case has been carried out using a 2-D version of the CSU Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) nonhydrostatic model with parameterized microphysics. It is found that the predicted meso-r-scale convective phenomena arc basically unsteady under the situation of strong shear at low-levels, while the meso-β-scale convective system is maintained up to 3 hours or more. The meso -β- scale cloud system exhibits characteristics of a multi-celled convective storm in which the meso-r-scale convective cells have lifetime of about 30 min. Pressure perturbation depicts a meso-low after a half hour in the low levels. As the cloud system evolves, the meso-low intensifies and extends to the upshear side and covers the entire domain in the mid-lower levels with the peak values of 5-8 hPa. Temperature perturbation depicts a warm region in the middle levels through the entire simulation period. The meso-r-scale warm cores with peak values of 4-8 ℃ are associated with strong convective cells. The cloud top evaporation causes a stronger cold layer around the cloud top levels.Simulation of microphysics exhibits that graupel is primarily concentrated in the strong convective cells forming the main source of convective rainfall after one hour of simulation time. Aggregates are mainly located in the stratiform region and decaying convective cells which produce the stratiform rainfall. Riming of the ice crystals is the predominant precipitation formation mechanism in the convection region, whereas aggregation of ice crystals is the predominant one in the stratiform region, which is consistent with observations. Sensitivity experiments of ice-phase mierophysical processes show that the microphysical structures of the convective cloud system can be simulated better with the diagnosed aggregation collection efficiencies.
基金primarily supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (MOST)(Grant No. 2018YFC1507303)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 419505044,41941007, and 42230607)+1 种基金by the Talent Research Start-Up Fund of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics(Grant No. 1007-90YAH22046)supported by The High Performance Computing Platform of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics。
文摘A mesoscale convective system(MCS) occurred over the East China coastal provinces and the East China Sea on 30April 2021, producing damaging surface winds near the coastal city Nantong with observed speeds reaching 45 m s^(–1). A simulation using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with a 1.5-km grid spacing generally reproduces the development and subsequent organization of this convective system into an MCS, with an eastward protruding bow segment over the sea. In the simulation, an east-west-oriented high wind swath is generated behind the gust front of the MCS. Descending dry rear-to-front inflows behind the bow and trailing gust front are found to feed the downdrafts in the main precipitation regions. The inflows help to establish spreading cold outflows and enhance the downdrafts through evaporative cooling. Meanwhile, front-to-rear inflows from the south are present, associated with severely rearward-tilted updrafts initially forming over the gust front. Such inflows descend behind(north of) the gust front, significantly enhancing downdrafts and near-surface winds within the cold pool. Consistently, calculated trajectories show that these parcels that contribute to the derecho originate primarily from the region ahead(south) of the east-west-oriented gust front, and dry southwesterly flows in the low-to-middle levels contribute to strong downdrafts within the MCS. Moreover, momentum budget analyses reveal that a large westward-directed horizontal pressure gradient force within the simulated cold pool produced rapid flow acceleration towards Nantong. The analyses enrich the understanding of damaging wind characteristics over coastal East China and will prove helpful to operational forecasters.
文摘Disaster weather forecasting is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, the trajectories of Mesoscale Convective Systems （MCSs） were automatically tracked over the Chinese Tibetan Plateau using Geostationary Meteorological Satellite （GMS） brightness temperature （Tbb） from June to August 1998, and the MCSs are classified according to their movement direction. Based on these, spatial data mining methods are used to study the relationships between MCSs trajectories and their environmental physical field values. Results indicate that at 400hPa level, the trajectories of MCSs moving across the 105°E boundary are less influenced by water vapor flux divergence, vertical wind velocity, reIative humidity and K index. In addition, if the gravity central longitude locations of MCSs are between 104°E and 105°E, then geopotential height and wind divergence are two main factors in movement causation. On the other hand, at 500hPa level, the trajectories of MCSs in a north-east direction are mainly influenced by K index and water vapor flux divergence when their central locations are less than 104°E. However, the MCSs moving in an east and south-east direction are influenced by a few correlation factors at this level.
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40371080), Key Project of ChineseMinistry of Education (No. 104083), Foundation of Wuhan University State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Survey-ing, Mapping and Remote Sensing (No. WKL(03) 0103), the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas ChineseScholars, Ministry of Education
文摘In this paper, Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS) infrared black-body temperature (Tbb) data from June to August 1998 are used to automatically track the activity of Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) over the Tibetan Plateau in China. Consequently, the features of MCS, such as area, intensity, life cycle, activity region and shape, are obtained. High Resolution Limited Area Analysis and Forecasting System (HLAFS) values provided by China National Meteorological Center are used to study the relationships between the MCS trajectories and their environmental physical field values, based on the distribution and trajectories of MCSs over the Tibetan Plateau. Favorable environmental physical field charts of influencing MCS movement out of the Tibetan Plateau in different UTC (Universal Time Coordinate) are developed by using spatial data mining techniques at levels of 400hPa and 500hPa, respectively.
基金Natural Science Foundation of China (40775068)Research Foundation of Tropical and Marine Meteorology,Technology Project on Meteorology in Guangdong Province Meteorological Bureau (2007A01)
文摘With multiple meteorological data, including precipitation from automatic weather stations, integrated satellite-based precipitation (CMORPH), brightness temperature (TBB), radar echoes and NCEP reanalysis, a rainstorm event, which occurred on May 26, 2007 over South China, is analyzed with the focus on the evolution characteristics of associated mesoscale-β convective systems (Mβcss). Results are shown as follows. (1) The rainstorm presents itself as a typical warm-sector event, for it occurs within a surface inverted trough and on the left side of a southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ), which shows no obvious features of baroclinicity. (2) The heavy rainfall event is directly related to at least three bodies of Mβcss with peak precipitation corresponding well to their mature stages. (3) The Mβcss manifest a backward propagation, which is marked with a new form of downstream convection different from the more usual type of forward propagation over South China, i.e., new convective systems mainly form at the rear part of older Mβcss. (4) Rainstorm-causing Mβcss form near the convergence region on the left side of an 850-hPa southwesterly LLJ, over which there are dominantly divergent air flows at 200 hPa. Different from the typical flow pattern of outward divergence off the east side of South Asia High, which is usually found to be over zones of heavy rains during the annually first rainy season of South China, this warm-sector heavy rain is below the divergence region formed between the easterly and southerly flows west of the South Asian High that is moving out to sea. (5) The LLJ transports abundant amount of warm and moist air to the heavy rainfall area, providing advantageous conditions for highly unstable energy to generate and store at middle and high levels, where corresponding low-level warm advection may be playing a more direct role in the development of Mβcss. As a triggering mechanism for organized convective systems, the effect of low-level warm advection deserves more of our attention. Based on the analysis of surface mesoscale airflow in the article, possible triggering mechanisms for Mβcss are also discussed.
