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The life cycle of thunderstorm gust fronts as viewed with Doppler radar and rawinsonde dataThis paper presents the time-dependent analysis of the thunderstorm gust front with the use of Project NIMROD data. RHI cross sections of reflectivity and Doppler velocity are constructed to determine the entire vertical structure. The life cycle of the gust front is divided into four stages: (1) the formative stage; (2) the early mature stage; (3) the late mature stage; and (4) the dissipation stage. A new finding is a horizontal roll detected in the reflectivity pattern resulting from airflow that is deflected upward by the ground, while carrying some of the smaller precipitation ahead of the main echo core of the squall line. This feature is called a 'precipitation roll'. As determined from rawinsonde data, the cold air behind the gust front accounts for the observed surface pressure rise. Calculations confirm that the collision of two fluids produce a nonhydrostatic pressure at the leading edge of the outflow. The equation governing the propagation speed of a density current accurately predicts the movement of the gust front.
Document ID
19820061012
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wakimoto, R. M.
(Chicago, University Chicago, IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Monthly Weather Review
Volume: 110
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
82A44547
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-14-001-008
CONTRACT_GRANT: NOAA-NA-80AAD00001
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-79-21260
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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