when advection destroys balance, vertical circulations arise comet-msc winter weather course 29 nov....
TRANSCRIPT
When advection destroys balance, vertical circulations arise
COMET-MSC Winter Weather Course
29 Nov. - 10 Dec. 2004
ppt started from one by
James T. Moore
Saint Louis University
Cooperative Institute for Precipitation Systems
Brian Mapes
Quasi-Geostrophic Theory
• It provides a framework to understand the evolution of balanced three-dimensional velocity fields.
• It reveals how the dual requirements of hydrostatic and geostrophic balance (encapsulated as thermal wind balance) constrain atmospheric motions.
• It helps us to understand how the balanced, geostrophic mass and momentum fields interact on the synoptic scale to create vertical circulations which result in sensible weather.
Stable balanced dynamics• Deviations from balance lead to force imbalances
that drive ageostrophic and vertical motions which adjust the state back toward balance.
• Consider hydrostatic, geostrophic as simplest case of balances.
• Houze chapter 11 - use Boussinesq, hydrostatic equation set as we did for gravity waves.
• Introduce pseudoheight
• Assume wind is mostly geostrophic ug, vg
• Note: f-plane approximation means Vg =0
Balance in atmospheric dynamics1. The vertical equation of motion: imbalance between
the 2 terms on the RHS results in small vertical motions that restore balance - unless the state is gravitationally unstable
2. The horizontal equation of motion: imbalance between the major terms on the RHS leads to small ageostrophic motions that restore balance - unless the state is inertially unstable
3. Between lies symmetric instability. Like gravitional instability, it has moist (potential, conditional) cousins. For now, STABLE CASE
( )∇ +⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟ =− − ⋅∇ + ∇ − ⋅∇
⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟
⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
2 02 2
20 21f
P
f
PV V
Pg g gσ
∂
∂ω
σ
∂
∂η
σ
∂
∂
r r Φ
Old school: Quasi-Geostrophic Omega Equation
(vorticity-oriented form)
A B C
Term A: three-dimensional Laplacian of omega
Term B: vertical variation of the geostrophic advection of the absolute geostrophic vorticity
Term C: Laplacian of the geostrophic advection of thickness
Problems with the Traditional Form of Q-G Diagnostic Omega Equation
• The two forcing functions are NOT independent of each other
• The two forcing functions often oppose one another (e.g., PVA and cold air advection – who wins?)
• You need more than one level of information to estimate differential geostrophic vorticity advection
• You cannot estimate the Laplacian of the geostrophic thickness advection by eye!
• The forcing functions depend upon the reference frame within which they are measured (i.e., the forcing functions are NOT Galilean invariant)
PV view of how maintenance of balance requires vertical motions
cyclonic (Trof)
Thermal wind balance prevails: There is a Z trough (trof) for geostrophic balance, with a cold core beneath it, supporting it hypsometrically (in hydrostatic balance).
cyclonic(Trof)
Unsheared advection of T, u, v, vort, PV: no problem, whole structure moves
Sheared advection breaks thermal wind balance
cyclonic (Trof)
Sheared advection breaks thermal wind balance
Z Trof(hypsometric)
Sheared advection breaks thermal wind balance
Z Trof(hypsometric)
The PV view of balanced circulation: (Rob Rogers’s fig)
Long-lived Great Plains MCV Hurricane Andrew after landfall
Potential temperature and potential vorticity cross sections
Q-vector Form of the Q-G Diagnostic Omega Equation
Alternate approach developed by Hoskins et al. (1978, Q. J.) – manipulated the equations so forcing is 1 term, not 2:
( )
( )
∇ +⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟ =− ∇⋅
= =− ⋅∇ ⋅∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
= =− ⋅∇ ⋅∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
−
p
x y
g
p
g
p
x y
g
p
g
p
f
PQ where
Q Q QR
P
V
xT
V
yT
or
Q Q QRP
P
V
x
V
y
2 02 2
2
1
0
2σ
∂
∂ω
σ
∂
∂
∂
∂
σ
∂
∂θ
∂
∂θ
κ
κ
r
rr r
rr r
,
, ,
, ,
Q-vector Form of the Q-G Diagnostic Omega Equation
∇ +⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟ =− ∇⋅p
f
PQ2 0
2 2
2 2σ
∂
∂ω
r
Treat Laplacian as a “sign flip” Then,
If -2•Q > 0 (convergence of Q) then < 0 (upward vertical motion)
If -2•Q < 0 (divergence of Q) then > 0 (downward vertical motion)
The Q vector points along the ageostrophic wind in the lower branch of the secondary circulation
Q vectors point toward the rising motion and are proportional to the strength of the horizontal ageostrophic wind
Advantages of Using Q Vectors
• You only need one isobaric level to compute the total forcing (although layers are probably better to use)
• Only one forcing term, so no cancellation between terms
• Plotting Q vectors indicates where the forcing for vertical motion is located and they are a good approximation for the ageostrophic wind
• The forcing function is not dependent on the reference frame (I.e., it is Galilean invariant
• Plotting Q vectors and isentropes can indicate regions of Q-G frontogenesis/frontolysis
• No term is neglected (as in the Trenberth method which neglects the deformation term)
Interpreting Q Vectors
( )rr r
Q Q QRP
P
V
x
V
yx y
g
p
g
p= = − ⋅∇ ⋅∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
−
, ,κ
κσ
∂
∂θ
∂
∂θ
1
0
Qu
x x
v
x y
and
Qu
y x
v
y y
x
g g
y
g g
=− +⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
=− +⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
Setting aside the coefficients,
Expanding Q and assuming adiabatic conditions yields the following expression for Q:
Qu
x x
v
x yx
g g=− +
⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
Interpretation of Qx
cold warm
θ
ug
θ
cold warm
Geostrophic stretching
deformation weakens θ
θ
cold
warm
Geostrophic shearing
deformation turns θ
vg
θ
cold
warm
to
to+t
Qu
y x
v
y yy
g g=− +
⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
Interpretation of Qy
cold warm
θ
ug
θ
cold
warm
Geostrophic shearing
deformation turns θ
θ
cold
warm
Geostrophic stretching
deformation strengthens θ
vg
θ
cold
warm
to
to+t
Keyser et al. (1992, MWR) derived a form of the Q vector in “natural” coordinates where one component is oriented parallel to isotherms and another component is oriented normal to the isotherms.
In this form one component (Qs) has the two shearing deformation terms, expressing rotation of isotherms, that normally show up in Qx and Qy . Meanwhile, the other component (Qn) has the two stretching deformation terms expressing the contraction or expansion of isotherms.
We will see that this novel form of the Q vector has distinct advantages, in terms of interpretation.
An Alternative form of Q in “natural” coordinates
Defining the Orientation of Qs and Qn with Respect
to θ
Martin (1999, MWR)
Qs is the component of Q associated with rotating the thermal gradient.
Qn is the component of Q associated with changing the magnitude of the thermal gradient.
θ
θ-1
θ+1
θ+2
θ
Qs
Qn Qcold
warm
s
n
Keyser et al. (1992, MWR)
Qx
V
x y
V
y
whenx
Qy
V
y
Qy
u
yi
v
yj
xi
yj
Qy
v
n
g g
n
g
n
g g
n
=∇
• ∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟ + • ∇
⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
⎡
⎣⎢⎢
⎤
⎦⎥⎥
=
=∇
• ∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
=∇
+⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟ • +
⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟
⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
=∇
1
0
1
1
1
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ
∂θ∂
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂θ∂
θ∂θ∂
∂
r r
r;
$ $ $ $
g
y y∂∂θ∂
⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟
Defining Qn and Interpreting What It Means
Qy
v
y yn
g=
∇⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟
1θ
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
Defining Qn and Interpreting What It Means (cont.)
θθ+1 θ+2
vg/y < 0; therefore Qn <0;
Qn points from cold to warm air; confluence (diffluence) in wind field implies frontogenesis (frontolysis)
Qnθ
Couplets of div Qn:
• Tend to line up across the isotherms
• Show the ageostrophic response to the geostrophically-forced packing/unpacking of
the isotherms
• Often exhibit narrow banded structures typical of the “frontal” scale
• Give an indication of how “active” a front might be
Interpreting Q vectors: Qn
Advection by geostrophic stretching deformation acts to change the magnitude of the thermal gradient vector, θ.
But the same geostrophic advection changes the wind shear in the direction OPPOSITE to that needed to restore balance. This is why the forcing for ageostrophic secondary circ is -2x(.Q)!
cold
Low level wind: pure geostrophic deformation (noting .Vg = 0), here acting to weaken dT/dx.
warm
Thermal wind
Upper level wind: Upper level wind: addadd thermal windthermal wind toto low levellow level windwind. . v component is positive v component is positive and decreases to north, so advection is and decreases to north, so advection is acting to acting to increaseincrease upper-level v upper-level v..
Qy
V
x x
V
y
whenx
Qy
V
x
Qy
u
xi
v
xj
xi
yj
Qy
v
s
g g
s
g
s
g g
s
=∇
• ∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟ − • ∇
⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
⎡
⎣⎢⎢
⎤
⎦⎥⎥
=
=∇
• ∇⎛
⎝⎜⎜
⎞
⎠⎟⎟
=∇
+⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟ • +
⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟
⎡
⎣⎢
⎤
⎦⎥
=∇
1
0
1
1
1
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ
∂θ∂
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
θ
θ∂θ∂
∂∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂θ∂
θ∂θ∂
∂
r r
r;
$ $ $ $
g
x y∂∂θ∂
⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟
Defining Qs and Interpreting What It Means
Defining Qs and Interpreting What It Means (cont.)
Qy
v
x ys
g=
∇⎛
⎝⎜
⎞
⎠⎟
1θ
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
θ
θ+1
θ+2θ
vg/x > 0; therefore Qs > 0.
Qs has cold air is to its left, causes cyclonic rotation of the vector θ. Thermal wind balance thus requires v to increase aloft, but geostrophic advection acts to decrease v aloft.
QsQs
Thermal wind
Upper wind Couplets of div Qs:
• Tend to line up along the isotherms
• Show the ageostrophic response to the geostrophically-forced turning of the
isotherms
• Tend to be oriented upstream and downstream of troughs
• Are associated with the synoptic wave scale of ascent and descent
Estimating Q vectors
Sanders and Hoskins (1990, WAF) derived a form of the Q vector which could be used when looking at weather maps to qualitatively estimate its direction and magnitude:
rr
QR
P
T
yk
V
xg
=− ×⎡
⎣⎢⎢
⎤
⎦⎥⎥
∂∂
∂∂
$
Where the x axis is defined to be along the isotherms (with cold air to the left) and y is normal to x and to the left.
Thus, Q is large when the temperature gradient is strong and when the geostrophic shear along the isotherms is strong.
To estimate the direction of Q just use vector subtraction to compute the derivative of Vg along the isotherms, then rotate the vector by 90° in the clockwise direction. Example:
AB
AB
Holton (1992)
A - B
=
Q
A-
B
=
Q
Jet Entrance Region
Col Region
90 deg
90 deg
Q vectors
This is mainly the cross-front, n
component Qn
Q vectors in a setting where warm air rises
Qn vectors
Direct Thermal CirculationConfluent Flow
Holton, 1992
cold
warm
Vageo
North South
VageoThermally Indirect Circulation
QJet Exit Region
Q vectors in a setting where COLD air rises
Holton (1992)
Idealized pattern of sea-level isobars (solid) and isotherms (dashed) for a train of cyclones and anticyclones. Heavy bold arrows are Q vectors. This is mostly the along-front or s
component Qs.
Semi-geostrophic extension to QG theory
• Allow advection of b and v by an ageostrophic horizontal wind ua in cross-front (x) direction only (following Houze section 11.2.2).
•An elegant trick: define
•Using the fact that Dvg/Dt = -fua, the total derivative in X space
becomes analogous to Dg/Dt:
Semi-geostrophic extension to QG theory (cont)
• More elegant trickery:
•Defining the geostrophic PV (Houze 11.50)
One can get the streamfunction equation (11.60)
Comparing the QG case (11.20)
•PV plays the role of a static stability in this system.
Another form (from notes of R. Johnson, CSU)
is met (translation: PV must be positive, so that the system is symmetrically stable)
Frontogenesis (definition)
θpDt
DF ∇=
The 2-D scalar frontogenesis function (F ):
F > 0 frontogenesis, F < 0 frontolysis
(S. Petterssen 1936)
F: generalization of the quasi-geostrophic version, the Q-vector
Can also include diabatic heating gradients, etc.
θpDt
DF ∇=Q
g
Frontogenesis and Symmetric Instability
Symmetric instabilities, contributing to banded
precipitation, often north and east of midlatitude cyclones
Mesoscale Instabilities and Processes Which Can Result in Enhanced Precipitation
• Conditional Instability• Convective Instability• Inertial Instability• Potential Symmetric Instability• Conditional Symmetric Instability• Weak Symmetric Stability• Convective-Symmetric Instability• Frontogenesis
Balance in atmospheric dynamics1. The vertical equation of motion: imbalance between
the 2 terms on the RHS results in small vertical motions that restore balance - unless the state is gravitationally unstable
2. The horizontal equation of motion: imbalance between the major terms on the RHS leads to small ageostrophic motions that restore balance - unless the state is inertially unstable
3. Between lies symmetric instability. Like gravitional instability, it has moist (potential, conditional) cousins. For now, STABLE CASE
Schultz et al. 1999 MWR
Instabilities: nomenclatureSchultz et al. MWR 1999
“The intricacies of instabilities”
Conditional Symmetric Instability: Cross section of θes and Mg taken normal to the 850-300 mb thickness contours
θes
Mg +1
θes+ 1θes-1
Mg
Mg -1
s
Note: isentropes of θes
are sloped more verticalthan lines of absolutegeostropic momentum,Mg.
Vert.stableHoriz.
stable
Symm.Symm.unstableunstable
Conditional Symmetric Instability in the Presence of Synoptic Scale Lift – Slantwise Ascent and Descent
Multiple Bands with Slantwise Ascent
Frontogenesis and varying Symmetric Stability
• Emanuel (1985, JAS) has shown that in the presence of weak symmetric stability (simulating condensation) in the rising branch, the ageostrophic circulations in response to frontogenesis are changed.
• The upward branch becomes contracted and becomes stronger. The strong updraft is located ahead of the region of maximum geostrophic frontogenetical forcing.
• The distance between the front and the updraft is typically on the order of 50-200 km
• On the cold side of the frontogenetical forcing stability is greater and and the downward motion is broader and weaker than the updraft.
Frontal secondary circulation - constant stability
Frontal secondary circ - with condensation on ascent
Emanuel (1985, JAS)
Schematic of Convective-Symmetric Instability Circulation
Blanchard, Cotton, and Brown, 1998 (MWR)
Convective-Symmetric Instability
Multiple Erect Towers with Slantwise Descent
Sanders and Bosart, 1985: Mesoscale Structure in the Megalopolitan Snowstorm of 11-12 February 1983. J. Atmos. Sci., 42, 1050-1061.
Frontogenesis and Symmetric Instability
NW
SE
NW-SE cross-section shown on next slide.
A Conceptual Model: Plan View of Key Processes
Often found in the vicinity of an extratropical cyclone warm front, ahead of a long-wave trough in a region of strong, moist, mid-tropospheric southwesterly flow
Dry Air
es
Convectively Unstable
Shaded area = CSI
CSI
Arrows = Ascent zone F = Frontogenesis zone
Heavy snow area
A Conceptual Model: Cross-Sectional View of Key Processes
CSI may be a precursor to elevated CI, as the vertical circulation associated with CSI may overturn e surfaces with time creating convectively unstable zones aloft
Nolan-Moore Conceptual Model
• Many heavy precipitation events display different types of mesoscale instabilities including:– Convective Instability (CI; θe decreasing with
height)– Conditional Symmetric Instability (CSI; lines
of θes are more vertical than lines of constant absolute geostrophic momentum or Mg)
– Weak Symmetric Stability (WSS; lines of θes
are nearly parallel to lines of constant absolute geostrophic momentum or Mg)
Spectrum of Mesoscale Instabilities
Nolan-Moore Conceptual Model
• These mesoscale instabilities tend to develop from north to south in the presence of strong uni-directional wind shear (typically from the SW)
• CI tends to be in the warmer air to the south of the cyclone while CSI and WSS tend to develop further north in the presence of a cold, stable boundary layer.
• It is not unusual to see CI move north and become elevated, producing thundersnow.
Nolan-Moore Conceptual Model
• CSI may be a precursor to elevated CI, as the vertical circulation associated with CSI may overturn θe surfaces with time creating convectively unstable zones aloft.
• We believe that most thundersnow events are associated with elevated convective instability (as opposed to CSI).
• CSI can generate vertical motions on the order of 1-3 m s-1 while elevated CI can generate vertical motions on the order of 10 m s-1 which are more likely to create charge separation and lightning.
Parting Thoughts on Banded Precipitation (Jim Moore)
• Numerical experiments suggest that weak positive symmetric stability (WSS) in the warm air in the presence of frontogenesis leads to a single band of ascent that narrows as the symmetric stability approaches neutrality.
• Also, if the forcing becomes horizontally widespread and EPV < 0, multiple bands become embedded within the large scale circulation; as the EPV decreases the multiple bands become more intense and more widely spaced.
• However, more research needs to be done to better understand how bands form in the presence of frontogenesis and CSI.
Figure from Nicosia and Grumm (1999,WAF). Potential symmetric instability occurs where the mid-level dry tongue jet overlays the low-level easterly jet (or cold conveyor belt), north of the surface low. In this area dry air at mid-levels overruns moisture-laden low-level easterly flow, thereby steepening the slope of the θe surfaces.
Nicosia and Grumm (1999, WAF) Conceptual Model for CSI
• Also….since the vertical wind shear is increasing with time the Mg surfaces become more horizontal (become flatter). Thus, a region of PSI/CSI develops where the surfaces of θe or θes are more vertical than the Mg surfaces.
• In this way frontogenesis and the develop- ment of PSI/ CSI are linked.
Frontogenesis (definition)
θpDt
DF ∇=
The 2-D scalar frontogenesis function (F ):
F > 0 frontogenesis, F < 0 frontolysis
(S. Petterssen 1936)
F: generalization of the quasi-geostrophic version, the Q-vector
Can also include diabatic heating gradients, etc.
θpDt
DF ∇=Q
g
Vector Frontogenesis Function
(Keyser et al. 1988, 1992)
snF sn FF +=
)( θ
θ
pDtD
knsF
pDtD
nF
∇×⋅=
∇−=
Change in magnitude
Corresponds to vertical motion on the frontal scale (mesoscale bands), as cross-frontal F vector points along low-level Va, toward upward motion.
Change in direction (rotation)
Corresponds to vertical motion on the scale of the baroclinic wave itself: rotation of T gradient by a cyclone’s winds causes along-front F vectors to converge on east side of low pressure
Three-Dimensional Frontogenesis Equation
Terms 1, 5, 9: Diabatic Terms
Terms 2, 3, 6, 7: Horizontal Deformation Terms
Terms 10 and 11: Vertical Deformation Terms
Terms 4 and 8: Tilting Terms
Term 12: Vertical Divergence Terms
Bluestein (Synoptic-Dynamic Met. In Mid-Latitudes, vol. II, 1993)
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Assumptions to Simplify the Three-Dimensional Frontogenesis Equation
θ
θ+ 1
θ+ 2
y’
x’
• y’ axis is set normal to the frontal zone, with y’ increasing towards the cold air (note: y’ might not always be normal to the isentropes)
• x’ axis is parallel to the frontal zone
• Neglect vertical and horizontal diffusion effects
Fd
dt y
u
y x
v
y y
w
y z y
d
dt=
−′
⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟ =
′ ′+
′ ′+
′−
′⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
∂θ∂
∂∂
θ
Simplified Form of the Frontogenesis Equation
A B C D
Term A: Shear term
Term B: Confluence term
Term C: Tilting term
Term D: Diabatic Heating/Cooling term
Frontogenesis: Shear Term
Shearing Advection changes orientation of isotherms
Carlson, 1991 Mid-Latitude Weather Systems
Frontogenesis: Confluence Term
Cold advection to the north
Warm advection to the south
Carlson, 1991 Mid-Latitude Weather Systems
Carlson (Mid-latitude Weather Systems, 1991)
Shear and Confluence Terms near Cold and Warm Fronts
Shear and confluence terms oppose one another near warm fronts
Shear and confluence terms tend to work together near cold fronts
Frontogenesis: Tilting Term
Adiabatic cooling to north and warming to south increases horizontal thermal gradient
Carlson, 1991 Mid-Latitude Weather Systems
Frontogenesis: Diabatic Heating/Cooling Term
frontogenesis
frontolysis
T constant T increases
T increases T constant
Carlson, 1991 Mid-Latitude Weather Systems
Petterssen (1968)
Frontogenesis/Frontolysis with Deformation with No Diabatic Effects or Tilting Effects
{ }Fd
dtDef DivR= ∇ = ∇ −θ θ β
1
22cos
Defv
x
u
y
u
x
v
yR = +⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟ + −
⎛⎝⎜
⎞⎠⎟
⎡
⎣⎢⎢
⎤
⎦⎥⎥
∂∂
∂∂
∂∂
∂∂
2 212
= angle between the isentropes and the axis of dilatation
where:
and
Kinematic Components of the Wind
Translation
Divergence
Vorticity
Deformation
Stretching and Shearing Deformation Patterns
Stretching
Deformation
Shearing
Deformation
Stretching Deformation Patterns
Bluestein (1992, Synoptic-Dynamic Met)
Stretching along the flow
Stretching normal to the flow
Translational component of wind removed
Translational component of wind removed
Shearing Deformation Patterns
Bluestein (1992, Synoptic-Dynamic Met)
Stretching in a direction 45° to the left of the flow
Stretching in a direction 45° to the right of the flow
Translational component of wind removed
Translational component of wind removed
Petterssen (Weather Analysis and Forecasting, vol. 1, 1956)
< 45°
> 45°
Axis of dilatation
Axis of dilatation
Frontogenesis
Frontolysis
Pure Deformation Wind Field Acting on a Thermal Gradient
Keyser et al. (MWR, 1988)
Isotherms are rotated and brought closer together
Deficiencies of Kinematic Frontogenesis
• Fronts can double their intensity in a matter of several hours; kinematic frontogenesis suggests that it takes on the order of a day.
• Kinematic frontogenesis does not account for changes in the divergence of momentum fields; values of divergence and vorticity in frontal zones are on scales <= 100 km, suggesting highly ageostrophic flow.
• Kinematic frontogenesis fails since temperature is treated as a passive scalar. As the thermal gradient changes the thermal wind balance is upset, therefore there is a continual readjustment of the winds in the vertical in an attempt to re-establish geostrophic balance.
Carlson (Mid-Latitude Weather Systems, 1991)
Frontogenetical Circulation
• As the thermal gradient strengthens the geostrophic wind aloft and below must respond to maintain balance with the thermal wind.
• Winds aloft increase and “cut” to the north while winds below decrease and “cut” to the south, thereby creating regions of div/con.
• By mass continuity upward motion develops to the south and downward motion to the north – a direct thermal circulation.
• This direct thermal circulation acts to weaken the frontal zone with time and works against the original geostrophic frontogenesis.
West East
West East
Ageostrophic Adjustments in Response to Frontogenetical Forcing
North South
Thermally Direct Circulation
Strength and Depth of the vertical circulation is modulated by static stabilityCarlson (Mid-latitude Weather Systems, 1991)
Frontogenetical Circulation
WARMCOLD
Sawyer-Eliassen Description of the Frontogenetic Circulation
• Includes advections by the ageostrophic component of the wind normal to the frontal zone or jet streak.
• The ageostrophic and vertical components of the wind are viewed as nearly instantaneous responses to the geostrophic advection of temperature and geostrophic deformation near the frontal zone.
• The cross-frontal (transverse) ageostrophic component of the tranverse/vertical circulations is significant and can become as large in magnitude as the geostrophic wind velocity.
• Thus, divergence/convergence and vorticity production in the vicinity of the front take place more rapidly than predicted by purely kinematic frontogenesis.
Carlson (Mid-latitude Weather Systems,1991)
Frontogenetical Circulation Factors
According to the Sawyer-Eliassen equations (see Carlson, Mid-Latitude Weather Systems, 1991):
• The major and minor axes of the elliptical circulation are determined by the relative magnitudes of the static stability and the absolute geostrophic vorticity; the vertical slope is a function of the baroclinicity.
• High static stability compresses and weakens the circulation cells.
• If the absolute geostrophic vorticity is small (weak inertial stability) in the presence of high static stability the circulation ellipses are oriented horizontally.
• If the absolute geostrophic vorticity is large (strong inertial stability) in the presence of small static stability the circulation cells are oriented vertically.
• High static stability and low inertial stability
Result is a shallow but broad circulation.
With high static stability, a little vertical motion results in large change in temperature.
With low inertial stability, takes longer for Coriolis force to balance the pressure gradient force.
Greg Mann, 2004
• Low static stability and high inertial stability
With low static stability, need large vertical motion to change the temperature.
With high inertial stability, Coriolis force quickly balances the pressure gradient force.
Greg Mann, 2004
Role of symmetric stability
• Symmetric stability plays a large role in determining the strength and width of the ageostrophic frontal circulation– Small symmetric stability
• Intense and narrow updraft
– Large symmetric stability• Broad and weak updraft.
Greg Mann, 2004
( )
[ ]
[ ]
Fd
dt
F F n F s
F div Def
F Def
n s
n R
s R
= ∇
= +
= ∇ −
= ∇ +
r
r
r
r
θ
θ β
θ ζ β
$ $
cos( )
sin( )
12
2
12
2
Defining Fs and Fn Vectors from the Frontogenesis Function
Keyser et al. (1988, MWR)
Defining Fs and Fn Vectors from the Frontogenesis Function
Keyser et al. (1988, MWR) and Augustine and Caracena (1994, WAF)
Interpreting F Vectors
• The component of F normal to the isentropes (Fn) is the frontogenetic component; it is equivalent but opposite in sign to the Petterssen frontogenesis function. When F is directed from cold to warm (Fn < 0), the local forcing is frontogenetic, i.e., the large scale is acting to fortify the frontal boundary by strengthening the horizontal potential temperature gradient and increasing the slope of the isentropes.
• Conversely, when F is directed from warm to cold (Fn > 0), the forcing is acting in a frontolytic fashion.
• The component of F parallel to the isentropes (Fs) quantifies how the forcing acts to rotate the potential temperature gradient.
• The F vector is equivalent to the Q vector only when the horizontal wind is geostrophic; thus F is less restrictive. The divergence of F is a only a good approximation of the Q-G forcing for vertical motion when the wind is in approximate geostrophic balance.
• However, F vector convergence does NOT necessarily imply upward vertical motion.
)
Augustine and Caracena (1994, WAF)
Application of Frontogenetical Vectors for MCS Formation
Synoptic setting favorable for large MCS development.
Dashed lines are isentropes and arrows are F vectors, at 850 hPa. Red arrow indicates the low-level jet.