A Doppler Radar Observation of a Cold Front: Three-Dimensional Air Circulation, Related Precipitation System, and Associated Wavelike Motions

Abstract

This paper is based on the observation of a cold front using a C-band Doppler radar. The extent of the precipitation system associated with the front allowed collection of Doppler radar data during 12 consecutive hours. The methodology for data acquisition presently used is conical scanning. The data analysis has been extended to the case of a nonuniform distribution of tracers. The air circulation is presented in a reference frame moving at the speed of the front. A pronounced cross-frontal circulation is found to be associated with significant cross-frontal acceleration. The thermal structure across the front is reconstructed by means of the equations of motion. From the vertical velocity field an estimate of the height-integrated condensation rate is made. It is found to agree with the rainfall rate inferred from the radar reflectivity data. Also, large-amplitude small-scale motions are detected and identified as a well-characterized atmospheric wave. Theoretical considerations support the explanation that it is the manifestation of a dynamical instability of the shear flow within the frontal zone.