CONVECTIVE CLOUD FEATURES IN TYPICAL SYNOPTIC ENVIRONMENTS: AT THE LEADING EDGE OF FRONTAL CLOUD BANDS - KEY PARAMETERS
by ZAMG
- Frontal Parameters (TFP, equivalent thickness):
Typical configurations for fronts and thickness ridges are described in detail by the relevant conceptual models (see also Cold Fronts, Warm Fronts). In this case, the typical area for the initiation of convection is along the leading edge of a Cold Front cloud band, immediately in front of the TFP and an area of high thickness gradients.
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13 November 1997/00.00 UTC - Meteosat IR image; blue: thermal front parameter 500/850 hPa, green: equivalent
thickness 500/850 hPa
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- Stability index (Showalter index):
The relevant area is indicated by Showalter values <3 units.
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13 November 1997/00.00 UTC - Meteosat IR image; blue: thermal front parameter 500/850 hPa, green: equivalent
thickness 500/850 hPa, yellow: Showalter index 500/850 hPa
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- Equivalent potential temperature at 850 hPa:
The MCSs develop in the area of high gradient close to the front and to the W or NW of the toungue of high ThetaE values.
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13 November 1997/00.00 UTC - Meteosat IR image; blue: thermal front parameter 500/850 hPa, magenta: ThetaE 850 hPa
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