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Subsynoptic‐scale features associated with extreme surface gusts in UK extratropical cyclone events
Author(s) -
Earl N.,
Dorling S.,
Starks M.,
Finch R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2017gl073124
Subject(s) - extratropical cyclone , mesoscale meteorology , climatology , cold front , environmental science , meteorology , mesoscale convective system , front (military) , cyclone (programming language) , scale (ratio) , geology , atmospheric sciences , geography , cartography , field programmable gate array , computer science , computer hardware
Numerous studies have addressed the mesoscale features within extratropical cyclones (ETCs) that are responsible for the most destructive winds, though few have utilized surface observation data, and most are based on case studies. By using a 39‐station UK surface observation network, coupled with in‐depth analysis of the causes of extreme gusts during the period 2008–2014, we show that larger‐scale features (warm and cold conveyer belts) are most commonly associated with the top 1% of UK gusts but smaller‐scale features generate the most extreme winds. The cold conveyor belt is far more destructive when joining the momentum of the ETC, rather than earlier in its trajectory, ahead of the approaching warm front. Sting jets and convective lines account for two thirds of severe surface gusts in the UK.