Synoptic and Mesoscale Model Group

Our objective was to develop a template for an effective map discussion that might be given, for example, in an introductory level synoptic or mesoscale meteorology course.

Of course, the contents (ie, maps, graphics) of an effective map discussion depend on season, day, time of day, area of interest, current weather situation, plus how much time is available and who is giving the map discussion (and certainly other factors as well). Thus, in many ways, our template is arbitrary. Still, there are common elements to most map discussions, and we have tried to stick to what our group members believe is a reasonable set of elements that would be appropriate in an introductory synoptic (or mesoscale) meteorology course.

Helpful tips will be given with each graphic, indicating the key features that should be gleaned from that graphic – these might include, for example, prominent long-range ridges and troughs, jet streaks, areas of significant temperature and vorticity advection, or low-level jets. Links will also be provided to other web sites (some COMET, perhaps) where additional information can be found about the information on a particular graphic (for example, how to interpret a water vapor satellite image). In addition, in places where students should hand-analyze the situation (perhaps a surface maps of station models at the mesoscale), links to maps of the raw data will be provided so that students can “get their feet wet.”

Ultimately, we envision a COMET module that provides a “one stop shop” that a student can use as a tool to determine what standard maps (both analysis and forecast), imagery, etc., professional meteorologists use on a daily basis. This module would be modeled after the new skew-t module under development – except it would encompass information on how to use and interpret “standard” map products.


Forecast Funnel
Forecast Funnel


Important tools/discussions students should examine before progressing:

Students: Before discussing each image, please indicate time of analysis/prog and what variables are illustrated.

Hemispheric (Northwestern Hesmiphere)
  • 500 mb Heights and Anomalies (left panel, previous 5 day animation); reveals large-scale features and how those features are related to the climatology at that time
    • Examine Long-wave troughs and ridges and their movement
      • Take special note of number of waves and location of axes
      • Is the pattern rapidly changing or static?
  • 300 mb Jet Stream Analysis (alt) - latest Eta/GFS analysis of isotachs
    • Examine jet stream configuration. Meridional?
    • Subtropical jet visible?
    • Where are the jet cores/regions of strongest jet?
  • Water Vapor Imagery (alt) - 24 hr loop of previous, composite images; 6.7 micron band examining mid/upper tropospheric moisture
    • Examine moist/dry regions and relate to large-scale features found on 500 and 300 mb charts
    • Pay close attention to areas of discontinuity.
    • Can you determine the polar jet stream location? Also, is a subtropical jet visible?
Synoptic (CONUS)

Mesoscale

  • Surface Plot; illustrates temperature and moisture boundaries; areas of surface convergence
    • Examine frontal boundary positions and their movement using a hand-drawn analysis
    • Examine regions of surface convergence
  • Visible / IR Satellite Imagery (loop)
    • Examine boundaries, cumulus development
  • Radar;
    • Examine trends (intensity and movement)

    Cold Season

Warm Season

    • Determine convective organization (e.g, single, multicell, supercell)

Last modified: Tuesday, 18 September 2012, 8:38 AM