Orographic Precipitation
Synopsis of Research within COMAP
Cross-section of simulated (left) and observed (right) reflectivity for 20 UTC 6 Nov. 2006.
Orographic precipitation associated with the Coastal Range and Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest has provided and continues to provide many research questions. One such research question involves understanding the development, probable terrain enhancement, and modeling capability of embedded convection or observed intermittent precipitation.
Intermittent precipitation over complex terrain has been observed to cause relatively higher precipitation amounts and intensity that may lead to localized flooding. Previous work completed by Cunningham (2014) provided observations of intermittent convective cells reaching the Oregon Coast and possibly being enhanced by ascent over the terrain. To understand the structure and dynamics of the embedded cells, simulations using WRF version 3.4 of observed cases are analyzed.
Results showed that the ability of the model to accurately reproduce the intermittent convection is sensitive to small-scale variations in moisture and stability, horizontal grid resolution, and microphysics parametrization schemes. For expanded results from the modeling component of this work that concluded in 2013, please see this research page.
Intermittent precipitation over complex terrain has been observed to cause relatively higher precipitation amounts and intensity that may lead to localized flooding. Previous work completed by Cunningham (2014) provided observations of intermittent convective cells reaching the Oregon Coast and possibly being enhanced by ascent over the terrain. To understand the structure and dynamics of the embedded cells, simulations using WRF version 3.4 of observed cases are analyzed.
Results showed that the ability of the model to accurately reproduce the intermittent convection is sensitive to small-scale variations in moisture and stability, horizontal grid resolution, and microphysics parametrization schemes. For expanded results from the modeling component of this work that concluded in 2013, please see this research page.
STUDENTS INVOLVED
Sara Ganetis (2011 - 2013) Contact: [email protected]