Coplanar Doppler Lidar Retrieval of Rotors from T-REX

• DOI: 10.1175/2009jas3016.1
• Publication Date: 2009-09-22T19:50:58Z
• Authors: Michael Hill; Ron Calhoun; H. J. S. Fernando; Andreas Wieser; Andreas Dörnbrack; Martin Weissmann; Georg Mayr; Robert Newsom
• Keywords: Earth sciences; info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/550; downslope wind; 550; ddc:550; subrotor; rotor; 01 natural sciences; lidar; Wolkenphysik und Verkehrsmeteorologie; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract Dual-Doppler analysis of data from two coherent lidars during the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX) allows retrieval flow structures, such as vortices, mountain-wave events. The spatial and temporal resolution this approach is sufficient to identify track vortical motions on an elevated, cross-barrier plane in clear air. Assimilation routines or additional constraints two-dimensional continuity are not required. A relatively simple quick least squares method forms basis retrieval. Vortices shown evolve advect field, allowing their behavior mountain–wave–boundary layer system. locations, magnitudes, evolution vortices can be studied through calculated fields velocity, vorticity, streamlines, swirl. Generally, observations suggest classes motions: rotors small-scale structures. These structures differ scale behavior. level coordination nature output (i.e., range gates) creates inherent restrictions retrieved fields.