Open AccessBinary mesovortex structure associated with southwest vortex
Author(s) -
Zhou Kuo,
Liu Haiwen,
Zhao Liang,
Zhu Yuxiang,
Lin Yihua,
Zhang Fuying,
Fu Ning
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
atmospheric science letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 45
ISSN - 1530-261X
DOI - 10.1002/asl.749
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , weather research and forecasting model , vortex , climatology , geostrophic wind , mesoscale convective system , environmental science , meteorology , atmospheric sciences , geology , geography
Previous work has concluded that the southwest vortex ( SWV ) is a single mesoscale vortex. Applying the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Final Operational Global Analysis, the Interim European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis, and the non‐hydrostatic mesoscale Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting ( WRF ) model to a case study, we discovered a new type of SWV associated with another coexisting mesoscale warm and moist vortex. In the case study, meso‐β‐scale vortex‐A was generated at 1800 UTC 17 July, and dissipated around 0500 UTC 18 July 2013, with a lifespan of approximately 11 h. Vortex‐B occurred at 0600 UTC 17 July and moved out of the Sichuan Basin at 0800 UTC 18 July 2013, remaining over the basin for approximately 26 h. Stronger atmospheric upward motion and two mesoscale rainbelts associated with each of the vortices further demonstrate the binary mesoscale vortex structure related to the SWV using the WRF model. The quasi‐geostrophic balance of the two mesoscale cyclonic circulations is responsible for the generation and maintenance of the two closed mesoscale vortices.