Thompson, R. L., J. S. Grams, and J. A. Prentice: Synoptic Environments and Convective Modes Associated with Significant Tornadoes in the Contiguous United States Operational forecasts of significant tornadoes have
improved during the past several decades as a result of sophisticated
numerical simulations of supercells and numerous field
observations, as well as the development of several large
proximity sounding samples and sounding-derived ingredients
related to tornado environments. However, operational experience
suggests that the anticipation of significant tornadoes beyond
the day of the event can be difficult. Errors in numerical model
forecasts make parameter evaluation problematic, leaving the
forecaster with a more general view of the synoptic regime as
the most reliable approach. As such, there is a tendency amongst
the operational community to translate this synoptic regime
information into various 'rules of thumb' that pertain to the
tornado threat. The purpose of this study is to compare a number
of these rules of thumb, such as a tendency for violent tornadoes
to accompany intense cyclones, to an actual distribution of
conditions that does not rely on skewed recollections of forecaster
experiences. |
Deppe, A. J., J. Edmondson, J. A. Prentice: Meteorology 454 Wave Analysis, Fall 2008 For over a 2 month period, data was recorded to analyze the properties of waves in the atmosphere. Our goal was to better understand, and to see if our own observations corresponded to the Rossby wave theory. The data collected included wave number, wave amplitude, wave speeds, and zonal wind maxima. This data was analyzed and graphed to see if any correlations occurred between observations. Overall the analysis did not show strong correlations with the Rossby theory, and this may be attributed to the methodology and available data that was used during the course of this project. |
Remember that you can view my undergraduate research paper, and presentation by using the Undergraduate Research link on the navigation bar. Also, you may view my Resume to find a complete listing of presentations and research that I have completed or have been a part of. |