Speaker: Lucas Harris, Atmospheric Sciences
Title:
Time: 2:30 PM, Thursday, 5/3/07
Abstract:
Few studies exist on the effect of confluent and difluent flow on the pressure drag exerted on the atmosphere by topography. We examine the drag in a series of steady
simulations for various horizontally varying large-scale flow patterns over a 1.5 km high elongated mountain ridge. It is found that confluence causes a modest
increase in the amount of pressure drag over a uniform westerly current. Alternately, flow difluence causes a dramatic decline in the pressure drag.
The causes for these changes in pressure drag are investigated. In particular, the effect of the confluence and difluence on the mountain wave amplitude and
wavelength are examined, as well as the relationship to wake effects such as downslope winds and lee vortices.
Everyone welcome!