Interactions between Topographic Airflow and Cloud/Precipitation Development during the Passage of a Winter Storm in Arizona

Abstract

A case study showing comparisons between observations and numerical simulations of the passage of a winter storm over complex terrain is presented. The interactions between the mesoscale and cloud environments and the microphysical and dynamical processes are addressed using both observations and numerical simulations. A three-dimensional, time-dependent nested grid model was used to conduct numerical simulations of the three-dimensional airflow and cloud evolution over the Mogollon Rim and adjacent terrain in Arizona. The modeling results indicated that the flow patterns and cloud liquid water (CLW) were closely linked to the topography. To a large extent, gravity waves excited by the flow over the mountains determine the distribution of clouds and precipitation. The waves extend through deep layers of the atmosphere with substantial updrafts and downdrafts, at times exceeding 5 m s?1. The simulated vertical velocities and horizontal wavelengths of about 20 km were in good agreement with the aircraft observations. The CLW regions associated with the waves extended through much deeper layers of the atmosphere and in quantities a factor of 2 larger than those associated with the forced ascent over the ridges. The CLW associated with waves may provide an additional source for precipitation development not previously considered in cloud seeding experiments. In addition, synoptic-scale flow patterns over the area change from one storm system to the next and even during one storm system. Consequently, both the winds and the evolution of clouds over the area are highly space and time dependent