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- Title
Influence of the interaction between different low‐ and mid‐level wind couplings and orography on the evolution of mesoscale convective systems in northwest China: A case study.
- Abstract
A mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) event occurring in northwest China is investigated to discuss the influences of interaction between different couplings of low‐ and mid‐level winds and orography on the evolution of MCSs, using high‐resolution reanalysis data. The formation of a low‐level anticyclonic circulation related to the plateau high caused the sequential occurrence of reverse and perpendicular low‐ and mid‐level winds couplings and the stagnation and expansion of a high‐humidity zone originating from the mountains. In the case of reverse coupling of low‐ and mid‐level winds, mid‐level winds were constantly lifted by low‐level winds ascending the mountains, resulting in strong updrafts and relevant inertia–gravity waves occurring continuously in the upstream direction of mid‐level winds. The unstable stratification generated by the high‐humidity zone prevented the inertia–gravity waves from propagating into the updrafts, leading to the maintenance and connection of the updrafts. Meanwhile, a strong downdraft occurred and was maintained on the leeward side of the updrafts due to the coupling of the inertia–gravity waves associated with the uplift of mid‐level winds with the inertia–gravity wave triggered by low‐level winds ascending the mountains. Consequently, MCSs developed as they propagated into the updrafts, and perished abruptly when they reached the leeward‐side downdraft. In the case of perpendicular coupling of low‐ and mid‐level winds, a broad and strong low‐level updraft band formed and stayed on the windward side of the mountain ridge due to terrain‐induced uplift. Significant mid‐level updraft and an associated inertia–gravity wave were triggered on the side of the low‐level updraft band blown by mid‐level winds. The unstable stratification generated by the high‐humidity zone hindered the propagation of the gravity wave into the low‐level updraft band, leading to the maintenance of strength and continuity of the low‐level updraft band. Consequently, MCSs were maintained during their entire propagation along the low‐level updraft band.
- Subjects
CHINA; MESOSCALE convective complexes; GRAVITY waves; CHINA studies; VERTICAL drafts (Meteorology)
- Publication
Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 2022, Vol 148, Issue 747, p3010
- ISSN
0035-9009
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/qj.4350