Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Atmospheric Science
Committee Chair
Kevin Knupp
Committee Member
John Mecikalski
Committee Member
Udaysankar Nair
Subject(s)
Severe storms--Forecasting, Tornadoes--Forecasting
Abstract
The Weather Forecasting Model (WRF) was used to study boundary layer evolution in addition to analyzing the propagation mode of a nocturnal QLCS that moved through northern Alabama on March 9-10, 2017. Two comprehensive profiling systems separated by 59 km were utilized to evaluate the simulated boundary layer characteristics during this time period. The model had good accuracy with timing and structure of the QLCS, but was less accurate with simulating the evolution of the boundary layer from daytime to nighttime. Problems with the simulation included low level stability within the boundary layer (elevated CAPE for both observations and model), and insufficient parameterization of surface properties (e.g., surface fluxes, and wind speed). 0-1 km Storm Relative Helicity was underestimated, but that is to be expected given a nonlocal boundary layer parameterization scheme will smooth out wind profiles in a high wind environment.
Recommended Citation
Haliczer, David, "An observational and numerical modeling perspective of a nocturnal QLCS and its rapidly evolving environment during VORTEX-SE on 9-10 March 2017" (2018). Theses. 235.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/235