Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE): An Overview

Abstract

The field phase of the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) was conducted from 15 January to 15 March 1986. The objectives of GALE were to study mesoscale and air-sea interaction processes in East Coast winter storms, with particular emphasis on their contributions to cyclogenesis. The project area, special observing systems, and field operations are described. There were thirteen special observing periods during the field phase including eight cases of cyclogenesis. Meteorological and oceanographic phenomena on which special observations were collected include: cyclogenesis, rainbands, cold fronts, coastal fronts, cold-air damming, jet streaks, tropopause folding, low-level jets, cold-air outbreaks, lightning and marine boundary layer interactions with Gulf Stream and mid-shelf oceanic fronts. Preliminary research findings and operational implications are presented. GALE data documents are listed. The GALE data set is open to all interested scientists.