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Föhn in the Rhine Valley during MAP: A review of its multiscale dynamics in complex valley geometry
Author(s) -
Drobinski Philippe,
Steinacker Reinhold,
Richner Hans,
BaumannStanzer Kathrin,
Beffrey Guillaume,
Benech Bruno,
Berger Heinz,
Chimani Barbara,
Dabas Alain,
Dorninger Manfred,
Dürr Bruno,
Flamant Cyrille,
Frioud Max,
Furger Markus,
Gröhn Inga,
Gubser Stefan,
Gutermann Thomas,
Häberli Christian,
HällerScharnhost Esther,
Jaubert Geneviève,
Lothon Marie,
Mitev Valentin,
Pechinger Ulrike,
Piringer Martin,
Ratheiser Matthias,
Ruffieux Dominique,
Seiz Gabriela,
Spatzierer Manfred,
Tschannett Simon,
Vogt Siegfried,
Werner Richard,
Zängl Günther
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.70
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , geology , scale (ratio) , field (mathematics) , geography , geometry , geomorphology , climatology , cartography , mathematics , pure mathematics
This paper summarizes the findings of seven years of research on föhn conducted within the project ‘Föhn in the Rhine Valley during MAP’ (FORM) of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP). It starts with a brief historical review of föhn research in the Alps, reaching back to the middle of the 19th century. Afterwards, it provides an overview of the experimental and numerical challenges identified before the MAP field experiment and summarizes the key findings made during MAP in observation, simulation and theory. We specifically address the role of the upstream and cross‐Alpine flow structure on föhn at a local scale and the processes driving föhn propagation in the Rhine Valley. The crucial importance of interactions between the föhn and cold‐air pools frequently filling the lower Rhine Valley is highlighted. In addition, the dynamics of a low‐level flow splitting occurring at a valley bifurcation between the Rhine Valley and the Seez Valley are examined. The advances in numerical modelling and forecasting of föhn events in the Rhine Valley are also underlined. Finally, we discuss the main differences between föhn dynamics in the Rhine Valley area and in the Wipp/Inn Valley region and point out some open research questions needing further investigation. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society