Numerical weather prediction using a combination of isentropic and sigma coordinates /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Friend, Arnold Luther
Other Authors: Bleck, Rainer (degree committee member.), Das, Phanindramohan (degree committee member.), Drew, Dan (degree committee member.), Huebner, George L. (degree committee member.), Luther, H. A. (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: [College Station, Tex.] : Friend, 1976.
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to ProQuest copy
Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Abstract:A numerical model which gives improved vertical resolution in regions of interest by employing two different vertical coordinate systems is proposed for studying the development of intense baroclinic zones and fronts. In the lower region of the atmosphere (below 700 mb), a generalized pressure (sigma) coordinate is used to simplify the simulation of surface topography and of the effects of radiation. Above 700 mb, potential temperature is used as the vertical coordinate. A smooth coupling for the exchange of mass between the two vertical domains is achieved by integrating a special form of the continuity equation. Experiments have been made with six layers in the sigma region and up to seven layers in the isentropic region in a computational domain of 21 x 21 grid points in the horizontal, covering the North American continent. Using initial conditions derived from standard upper air observations, successful computations have been achieved through 12 h (120 time steps). Thereafter, short period numerical waves arise, presumably related to the coupling between the two coordinate systems employed.
Item Description:"Major subject: Meteorology."
Vita.
Physical Description:xiii, 69 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-68).