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Use of the Q-Vector in Operational Meteorology.

ADA196410

Publication Date	1988
Personal Author	Lemay, C. A.
Page Count	79
Abstract	Evaluation of atmospheric vertical motion is now possible on widely available and inexpensive microcomputers. Using the Q-vector form of the omega equation, formulated by Hoskins et al. (1978) allows a meteorologist to evaluate vertical motion throughout the atmosphere. Case studies are presented, using an enhanced version of the Barnes (1985) computer program. The first case study deals with a severe weather situation that resulted in tornadic activity through eastern Texas. The second case study covers a two day period in which a Mesoscale Convective Complex (MICC) moved through the central plains states. Results of these case studies show that the Q-vector form of the omega equation is a useful tool for evaluating vertical motion and aids in checking the initialization of the prognostic numerical models. The diagnostic charts, from this program, are available one to two hours before other commonly used charts are produced. Program results are best interpreted on meso and synoptic scales; however, the diagnostic results are best used when incorporated with other routinely available charts. A drawback to the program is that nongeostrophic effects such as orographic influences and friction are not included.
Keywords	Convection(Atmospheric) Tornadoes Weather forecasting Atmospheric motion Case studies Charts Computer programs Diagnosis(General) Friction Mathematical models Meteorologists Meteorology Microcomputers Motion Storms Texas Theses Vertical orientation Q vectors Omega equation MICC(Mesoscale convective complex)
Source Agency	Non Paid ADAS
NTIS Subject Category	55B - Dynamic Meteorology 55C - Meteorological Data Collection, Analysis, & Weather Forecasting
Corporate Authors	Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
Document Type	Thesis
Title Note	Master's thesis,
NTIS Issue Number	198823

Use of the Q-Vector in Operational Meteorology.

Use of the Q-Vector in Operational Meteorology.
ADA196410

Publication Date	1988
Personal Author	Lemay, C. A.
Page Count	79
Abstract	Evaluation of atmospheric vertical motion is now possible on widely available and inexpensive microcomputers. Using the Q-vector form of the omega equation, formulated by Hoskins et al. (1978) allows a meteorologist to evaluate vertical motion throughout the atmosphere. Case studies are presented, using an enhanced version of the Barnes (1985) computer program. The first case study deals with a severe weather situation that resulted in tornadic activity through eastern Texas. The second case study covers a two day period in which a Mesoscale Convective Complex (MICC) moved through the central plains states. Results of these case studies show that the Q-vector form of the omega equation is a useful tool for evaluating vertical motion and aids in checking the initialization of the prognostic numerical models. The diagnostic charts, from this program, are available one to two hours before other commonly used charts are produced. Program results are best interpreted on meso and synoptic scales; however, the diagnostic results are best used when incorporated with other routinely available charts. A drawback to the program is that nongeostrophic effects such as orographic influences and friction are not included.
Keywords	Convection(Atmospheric) Tornadoes Weather forecasting Atmospheric motion Case studies Charts Computer programs Diagnosis(General) Friction Mathematical models Meteorologists Meteorology Microcomputers Motion Storms Texas Theses Vertical orientation Q vectors Omega equation MICC(Mesoscale convective complex)
Source Agency	Non Paid ADAS
NTIS Subject Category	55B - Dynamic Meteorology 55C - Meteorological Data Collection, Analysis, & Weather Forecasting
Corporate Authors	Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
Document Type	Thesis
Title Note	Master's thesis,
NTIS Issue Number	198823