Sting Jets in Simulations of a Real Cyclone by Two Mesoscale Models
AbstractThe existence of sting jets as a potential source of damaging surface winds during the passage of extratropical cyclones has recently been recognized. However, there are still very few published studies on the subject. Furthermore, although it is known that other models are capable of reproducing sting jets, in the published literature only one numerical model [the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM)] has been used to numerically analyze these phenomena. This article aims to improve our understanding of the processes that contribute to the development of sting jets and show that model differences affect the evolution of modeled sting jets. A sting jet event during the passage of a cycl…
A process-based anatomy of Mediterranean cyclones: from baroclinic lows to tropical-like systems
Abstract. In this study, we address the question of the atmospheric processes that turn Mediterranean cyclones into severe storms. Our approach applies on-line potential vorticity (PV) budget diagnostics and piecewise PV inversion to WRF model simulations of the mature stage of 100 intense Mediterranean cyclones. We quantify the relative contributions of different processes to cyclone development and therefore deliver, for the first time, a comprehensive insight into the variety of cyclonic systems that develop in the Mediterranean from the perspective of cyclone dynamics. In particular, we show that all 100 cyclones are systematically influenced by two main PV anomalies: a major anomaly in…