CHRISTOPHER J. SCHAFFER
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Mentors: Dr. William A. Gallus Jr., Adam J. Clark
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Abstract
NCEP/NCAR NARR Reanalysis data, SPC storm reports, and an analysis of upper-level linear jet streaks by Johnson-O'Mara were used to examine the placement of storm reports associated with linear jet streaks over a ten-year period. The study also explores how average circulations within the jet streaks compare to the linear jet streak theory. It was found that tornado and hail reports tended to occur most frequently in the exit region away from the jet center, while wind reports were concentrated far from the major axis in the right entrance region. A low pressure center in the left exit region was the reason for the extensive surface convergence, and fronts associated with the low appeared to be a major reason for the storm report distributions and circulations observed. Convection and the tropopause height also appear to influence the jet streak circulations.