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Extended interpretations in Q vector analyses and applications in a torrential rain event
Author(s) -
Cao Jie,
Gao Shouting
Publication year - 2007
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 - 10.1029/2007gl030781
Subject(s) - curl (programming language) , divergence (linguistics) , geology , event (particle physics) , vorticity , meteorology , computer science , physics , vortex , astrophysics , philosophy , linguistics , programming language
Theoretical derivation shows that the curl of Q vector is associated with vertical variations of the vertical vorticity of ageostrophic wind. It may provide more information about distributions and evolutions of convective system along with the conventional usage of the divergence of Q vector in operational weather forecast. Therefore, a new phrase—extended interpretations in Q vector analyses—is defined in this paper, which represents the usages of the vertical component of the curl of Q vector as well as its divergence. Through dynamic identifications of both spatial distributions and temporal variations of heavy rain centers of a torrential rain event, advantages in the application of the vertical component of the curl of Q vector over its divergence are evident. In addition, the potential usage of the curl of Q vector in quantitative analysis of ageostrophic motions is pointed out.