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Alpine gravity waves: Lessons from MAP regarding mountain wave generation and breaking
Author(s) -
Smith Ronald B.,
Doyle James D.,
Jiang Qingfang,
Smith Samantha A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
quarterly journal of the royal meteorological society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.744
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1477-870X
pISSN - 0035-9009
DOI - 10.1002/qj.103
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , meteorology , gravity wave , geology , climatology , numerical weather prediction , decoupling (probability) , boundary layer , troposphere , wind shear , breaking wave , atmospheric sciences , gravitational wave , wave propagation , wind speed , geography , mechanics , physics , astrophysics , control engineering , quantum mechanics , engineering
Abstract The two‐month special observing period of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) in autumn 1999 included a variety of complex mountain wave events. Seven wave events were carefully analyzed, compared with numerical models and described in published papers. These detailed investigations revealed some common dynamical elements, i.e. the importance of low‐level processes involving the slow‐moving boundary layer, low‐level wind shear causing either wave absorption or decoupling/spilling, upstream blocking, and latent heat release. Based on these studies, it is clear that any quantitative prediction of mountain wave generation must take full account of these lower troposphere processes. The newest numerical models show significant skill in simulating these effects. Using these models, the climatology of waves over the Alps can be studied. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society