Canadian Atlantic Storms Program: The Meteorological Field Project

Abstract

The field phase of the Canadian Atlantic Storms Program (CASP) was conducted from 15 January to 15 March 1986. The principal objective of the meteorological component of the program was to begin the process of improving the understanding and prediction of mesoscale features within East Coast storms as well as the storms themselves. The project area, instrumentation platforms used, real-time forecasts, and the linkage of the program to the American Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) are discussed. Sixteen storms were sampled during the field phase. A number of mesoscale features such as fronts, precipitation bands, heavy snow, and freezing precipitation were sampled. These features and the storms themselves will be studied over the next several years. It is anticipated that scientific progress in understanding the nature of these winter systems and experience gained with new forecasting tools will lead to improved weather forecasts.