Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

The Dependence of Numerically Simulated Cyclic Mesocyclogenesis upon Environmental Vertical Wind Shear

Edwin J. Adlerman School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

Search for other papers by Edwin J. Adlerman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
and
Kelvin K. Droegemeier School of Meteorology, and Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

Search for other papers by Kelvin K. Droegemeier in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Dec 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR3039.1
Page(s):
3595–3623
Restricted access

Abstract

Building upon the authors’ previous work that examined the dynamics of numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis and its dependence upon model physical and computational parameters, this study likewise uses idealized numerical simulations to investigate associated dependencies upon ambient vertical wind shear. Specifically, the authors examine variations in hodograph shape, shear magnitude, and shear distribution, leading to storms with behavior ranging from steady state to varying degrees of aperiodic occluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis. However, the authors also demonstrate that a different mode of nonoccluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis may occur in certain environments.

Straight hodographs (unidirectional shear) produce only nonoccluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis. Introducing some curvature by adding a quarter circle of turning at low levels results in steady, nonoccluding, and occluding modes. When a higher degree of curvature is introduced—for example, turning through half and three-quarter circles—the tendency for nonoccluding behavior is diminished. None of the full-circle hodographs exhibited cycling during 4 h of simulation. Overall, within a given storm, the preferred mode of cycling is related principally to hodograph shape and magnitude of the ambient vertical shear.

Corresponding author address: Kelvin Droegemeier, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd St., Rm. 1110, Norman, OK 73019. Email: kkd@ou.edu

Abstract

Building upon the authors’ previous work that examined the dynamics of numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis and its dependence upon model physical and computational parameters, this study likewise uses idealized numerical simulations to investigate associated dependencies upon ambient vertical wind shear. Specifically, the authors examine variations in hodograph shape, shear magnitude, and shear distribution, leading to storms with behavior ranging from steady state to varying degrees of aperiodic occluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis. However, the authors also demonstrate that a different mode of nonoccluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis may occur in certain environments.

Straight hodographs (unidirectional shear) produce only nonoccluding cyclic mesocyclogenesis. Introducing some curvature by adding a quarter circle of turning at low levels results in steady, nonoccluding, and occluding modes. When a higher degree of curvature is introduced—for example, turning through half and three-quarter circles—the tendency for nonoccluding behavior is diminished. None of the full-circle hodographs exhibited cycling during 4 h of simulation. Overall, within a given storm, the preferred mode of cycling is related principally to hodograph shape and magnitude of the ambient vertical shear.

Corresponding author address: Kelvin Droegemeier, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd St., Rm. 1110, Norman, OK 73019. Email: kkd@ou.edu

Save
Cover Monthly Weather Review
Monthly Weather Review

  • Adlerman, E. J., 2003: Numerical simulations of cyclic storm behavior: Mesocyclogenesis and tornadogenesis. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Oklahoma, 217 pp. [Available from School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 100 East Boyd, Suite 1310, Norman, OK 73019.].

  • Adlerman, E. J., and K. K. Droegemeier, 2002: The sensitivity of numerically simulated cyclic mesocyclogenesis to variations in physical and computational parameters. Mon. Wea. Rev., 130 , 2671–2691.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Adlerman, E. J., K. K. Droegemeier, and R. P. Davies-Jones, 1999: A numerical simulation of cyclic mesocyclogenesis. J. Atmos. Sci., 56 , 2045–2069.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Andre, J. C., and M. Lesieur, 1977: Influence of helicity on the evolution of isotropic turbulence at high Reynolds number. J. Fluid Mech., 88 , 187–207.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brooks, H. E., and R. B. Wilhelmson, 1993: Hodograph curvature and updraft intensity in numerically modeled supercells. J. Atmos. Sci., 50 , 1824–1833.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brooks, H. E., and J. P. Craven, 2002: Database of proximity soundings for significant severe thunderstorms, 1957–1993. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 639–642.

  • Brooks, H. E., C. A. Doswell III, and R. P. Davies-Jones, 1993: Environmental helicity and the maintenance and evolution of low-level mesocyclones. The Tornado: Its Structure, Dynamics, Prediction, and Hazards, Geophys. Monogr., No. 79, Amer. Geophys. Union, 97–104.

  • Brooks, H. E., C. A. Doswell III, and R. B. Wilhelmson, 1994: On the role of midtropospheric winds in the evolution and maintenance of low-level mesocyclones. Mon. Wea. Rev., 122 , 126–136.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bryan, G. H., J. C. Wyngaard, and J. M. Fritsch, 2003: Resolution requirements for the simulation of deep moist convection. Mon. Wea. Rev., 131 , 2394–2416.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chisholm, A. J., and J. H. Renick, 1972: The kinematics of multicell and supercell Alberta hailstorms. Alberta Hail Studies, 1972, Research Council of Alberta Hail Studies Rep. 72-2, 24–31.

  • Craven, J. P., H. E. Brooks, and J. A. Hart, 2002: Baseline climatology of sounding derived parameters associated with deep moist convection. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 643–646.

  • Davies, J. M., 2002: On low-level thermodynamic parameters associated with tornadic and nontornadic supercells. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Severe Local Storms, San Antonio, TX, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 603–606.

  • Davies, J. M., and R. H. Johns, 1993: Some wind and instability parameters associated with strong and violent tornadoes. The Tornado: Its Structure, Dynamics, Prediction, and Hazards, Geophys. Monogr., No. 79, Amer. Geophys. Union, 573–582.

  • Davies-Jones, R. P., 2002: Linear and nonlinear propagation of supercell storms. J. Atmos. Sci., 59 , 3178–3205.

  • Davies-Jones, R. P., 2003: Reply. J. Atmos. Sci., 60 , 2420–2426.

  • Davies-Jones, R. P., D. Burgess, and M. Foster, 1990: Test of helicity as a tornado forecast parameter. Preprints, 16th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Kananaskis Park, AB, Canada, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 588–592.

  • Doswell III, C. A., and J. S. Evans, 2003: Proximity sounding analysis for derechos and supercells. Atmos. Res., 67 , 117–133.

  • Droegemeier, K. K., S. M. Lazarus, and R. P. Davies-Jones, 1993: The influence of helicity on numerically simulated convective storms. Mon. Wea. Rev., 121 , 2005–2029.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilmore, M. S., and L. J. Wicker, 1998: The influence of midtropospheric dryness on supercell morphology and evolution. Mon. Wea. Rev., 126 , 943–958.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hou, D., E. Kalnay, and K. K. Droegemeier, 2001: Objective verification of the SAMEX ’98 ensemble forecasts. Mon. Wea. Rev., 129 , 73–91.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jahn, D. E., 1995: Simulation of convective storms in environments with independently varying bulk Richardson number shear and storm-relative helicity. M.S. thesis, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 124 pp. [Available from School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 100 East Boyd, Suite 1310, Norman, OK 73019.].

  • Johnson, K. W., P. S. Ray, B. C. Johnson, and R. P. Davies-Jones, 1987: Observations related to the rotational dynamics of the 20 May 1977 tornadic storms. Mon. Wea. Rev., 115 , 2463–2478.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kessler, E., 1969: On the Distribution and Continuity of Water Substance in Atmospheric Circulation. Meteor. Monogr., No. 32, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 84 pp.

  • Klemp, J. B., and M. L. Weisman, 1983: The dependence of convective precipitation patterns on vertical wind shear. Preprints, 21st Conf. on Radar Meteorology, Edmonton, AB, Canada, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 44–49.

  • Kraichnan, R. H., 1973: Helical turbulence and absolute equilibrium. J. Fluid Mech., 59 , 745–752.

  • Levit, N. L., K. K. Droegemeier, and F. Kong, 2004: High-resolution storm-scale ensemble forecasts of the 28 March 2000 Fort Worth tornadic storms. Preprints, 20th Conf. on Weather Analysis and Forecasting/16th Conf. on Numerical Weather Prediction, Seattle, WA, Amer. Meteor. Soc, CD-ROM, 23.6.

  • Lilly, D. K., 1986: The structure, energetics, and propagation of rotating convective storms. Part II: Helicity and storm stabilization. J. Atmos. Sci., 43 , 126–140.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Marwitz, J. D., 1972: The structure and motion of severe hailstorms. Part III: Severely sheared storms. J. Appl. Meteor., 11 , 189–201.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McCaul Jr, E. W., 1993: Observations and simulations of hurricane-spawned tornadic storms. The Tornado: Its Structure, Dynamics, Prediction, and Hazards, Geophys. Monogr., No. 79, Amer. Geophys. Union, 119–142.

  • McCaul Jr, E. W., and C. Cohen, 2000: The sensitivity of simulated storm structure and intensity to the lifted condensation level and the level of free convection. Preprints, 20th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Orlando, FL, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 595–598.

  • McCaul Jr., E. W., and M. L. Weisman, 2001: The sensitivity of simulated supercell structure and intensity to variations in the shapes of environmental buoyancy and shear profiles. Mon. Wea. Rev., 129 , 664–687.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McCaul, E. W., and C. Cohen, 2002: The impact on simulated storm structure and intensity of variations in the mixed layer and moist layer depths. Mon. Wea. Rev., 130 , 1722–1748.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moller, A. R., C. A. Doswell III, M. P. Foster, and G. R. Woodhall, 1994: The operational recognition of supercell thunderstorm environments and storm structures. Wea. Forecasting, 9 , 327–347.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rasmussen, E. N., 2003: Refined supercell and tornado forecast parameters. Wea. Forecasting, 18 , 530–535.

  • Rasmussen, E. N., and R. B. Wilhelmson, 1983: Relationships between storm characteristics and 1200 GMT hodographs, low-level shear, and stability. Preprints, 13th Conf. on Severe Local Storms, Tulsa, OK, Amer. Meteor. Soc., J5–J8.

  • Rasmussen, E. N., and J. M. Straka, 1998: Supercell morphology variations. Part I: Observations of upper-level storm-relative flow. Mon. Wea. Rev., 126 , 2406–2421.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ray, P. S., B. C. Johnson, K. W. Johnson, J. S. Bradberry, J. J. Stephens, K. K. Wagner, R. B. Wilhelmson, and J. B. Klemp, 1981: The morphology of several tornadic storms on 20 May 1977. J. Atmos. Sci., 38 , 1643–1663.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Richardson, Y. P., 1999: The influence of horizontally-varying shear and CAPE on numerically simulated convective storms. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Oklahoma, 236 pp. [Available from School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, 100 East Boyd, Suite 1310, Norman, OK 73019.].

  • Teabeault, R., 1998: A numerical study of scale selection in deep convective storms. Final Rep., Summer 1998 REU Program, University of Oklahoma, 56 pp. [Available from Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd. St., Rm. 1110, Norman, OK 73019.].

  • Weisman, M. L., and J. B. Klemp, 1982: The dependence of numerically simulated convective storms on vertical wind shear and buoyancy. Mon. Wea. Rev., 110 , 504–520.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weisman, M. L., and J. B. Klemp, 1984: The structure and classification of numerically simulated convective storms in directionally varying wind shears. Mon. Wea. Rev., 112 , 2479–2498.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weisman, M. L., and J. B. Klemp, 1986: Characteristics of isolated convective storms. Mesoscale Meteorology and Forecasting, P. S. Ray, Ed., Amer. Meteor. Soc., 331–358.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weisman, M. L., and R. Rotunno, 2000: The use of vertical wind shear versus helicity in interpreting supercell dynamics. J. Atmos. Sci., 57 , 1452–1472.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, V. Wong, A. Shapiro, and K. Brewster, 1995: ARPS version 4.0 user’s guide. Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, 380 pp. [Available from Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd. St., Rm. 1110, Norman, OK 73019.].

  • Xue, M., K. K. Droegemeier, and V. Wong, 2000: The Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS)—A multiscale nonhydrostatic atmospheric simulation and prediction tool. Part I: Model dynamics and verification. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 75 , 161–193.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xue, M., and Coauthors, 2001: The Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS)—A multiscale nonhydrostatic atmospheric simulation and prediction tool. Part II: Model physics and applications. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 76 , 143–165.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xue, M., D-H. Wang, J-D. Gao, K. Brewster, and K. K. Droegemeier, 2003: The Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS), storm-scale numerical weather prediction and data assimilation. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 82 , 139–170.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 774 361 30
PDF Downloads 648 132 13