Characterizing convective cold pools

Drager, Aryeh J.; van den Heever, Susan C.

doi:10.1002/2016MS000788

Characterizing convective cold pools

Journal Article · Tue May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2017 · Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/2016MS000788· OSTI ID:1356247

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Department of Atmospheric Science Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA

Abstract

Cold pools produced by convective storms play an important role in Earth's climate system. However, a common framework does not exist for objectively identifying convective cold pools in observations and models. The present study investigates convective cold pools within a simulation of tropical continental convection that uses a cloud‐resolving model with a coupled land‐surface model. Multiple variables are assessed for their potential in identifying convective cold pool boundaries, and a novel technique is developed and tested for identifying and tracking cold pools in numerical model simulations. This algorithm is based on surface rainfall rates and radial gradients in the density potential temperature field. The algorithm successfully identifies near‐surface cold pool boundaries and is able to distinguish between connected cold pools. Once cold pools have been identified and tracked, composites of cold pool evolution are then constructed, and average cold pool properties are investigated. Wet patches are found to develop within the centers of cold pools where the ground has been soaked with rainwater. These wet patches help to maintain cool surface temperatures and reduce cold pool dissipation, which has implications for the development of subsequent convection.

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Research Organization:: Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) (SC-23)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0010569

OSTI ID:: 1356247

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1356248
OSTI ID: 1393566

Journal Information:: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, Journal Name: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 9; ISSN 1942-2466

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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