Numerical simulation of nonlinear buoyancy waves in the lower atmosphere.

Abstract

A 2D dry incompressible vorticity-stream function model is developed and used to investigate nonlinear buoyancy waves, especially internal solitary waves and related phenomena in the lower atmosphere. Using this model some essential properties of internal solitary waves have been successfully simulated. For the first time reversed recirculation within large amplitude solitary waves has been found. The existence of recirculation enables large amplitude solitary waves to trap air and transport it. Meanwhile, due to viscosity the trapped air continuously leaks out during the transport. The influences of surface friction and ambient vertical wind shear on solitary waves are also studied.

On the basis of the preceding studies, an internal solitary wave generated by a thunderstorm outflow, observed by NSSL's Doppler weather radar, a 444m tall tower and a surface network, is modeled. The simulation results show a quite good agreement with the observation in several aspects. The simulation also gives us a further understanding of the origin, propagation, and decay of the solitary wave, as well as its detailed kinematic and thermodynamic structure.