Naslov
A numerical study of the first phase of a deep Mediterranean cyclone: Cyclogenesis in the lee of the Atlas Mountains

Autori
Horvath, Kristian ; Fita, Lluis ; Romero, Romualdo ; Ivančan-Picek, Branka

Izvornik
Meteorologische Zeitschrift (0941-2948) 15 (2006), 2; 133-146

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
cyclogenesis; numerical study; MM5; factor separation method; uper-level PV; thermal anomaly

Sažetak
The initiation of a deep and severe impact Mediterranean cyclone in the lee of Atlas Mountains is investigated by a series of numerical experiments using the MM5 forecast model. The roles of orography, surface sensible heat flux and upper-level potential vorticity anomaly are identified using factor separation method. In addition, a sensitivity experiment addressing the role of a thermal anomaly in the lee of the Atlas is performed. The results of model simulations show that orography blocking is responsible for the generation of the low-level shallow vortex in the first phase of lee development. An upper-level potential vorticity anomaly is a principal ingredient of this event, responsible for a dominant deepening effect in the later stage of lee formation. The analysis of the cyclone paths shows that orography tends to keep the cyclone stationary, while upper-level dynamical factors are crucial for advection of the system to the Mediterranean Sea. The most noteworthy influence of surface sensible heat flux is identified as afternoon destruction of the surface baroclinic zone and associated weaker cyclogenesis.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija

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