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A review of major progresses in mesoscale dynamic research in China since 1999

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Abstract

Mesoscale research conducted by Chinese meteorologists during the past four years is reviewed. Advances in theoretical studies include (a) mesoscale quasi-balanced and semi-balanced dynamics, derived through scale analysis and the perturbation method which are suitable for describing mesoscale vortices; (b) subcritical instability and vortex-sheet instability; (c) frontal adjustment mechanism and the effect of topography on frontgenesis; and (d) slantwise vorticity development theories, the slantwise vortex equation, and moist potential vorticity (MPV) anomalies with precipitation-related heat and mass sinks and MPV impermeability theorem. From the MPV conservation viewpoint, the transformation mechanism between different scale weather systems is analyzed. Based on the data analysis, a new dew-point front near the periphery of the West Pacific subtropical high is identified. In the light of MPV theory and Q-vector theory, some events associated with torrential rain systems and severe storms are analyzed and diagnosed. Progress in mesoscale numerical simulation has been made in the development of meso-α, meso-β vortices, meso-γ-scale downbursts and precipitation produced by deep convective systems with MM5 and other mesoscale models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing

    Zhou Xiaoping

  2. Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing

    Ni Yunqi & Tan Zhemin

  3. Meteorological College, PLA University of Science and Technology, 211101, Nanjing

    Lu Hancheng

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  1. Zhou Xiaoping
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  2. Lu Hancheng
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  4. Tan Zhemin
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Correspondence to Zhou Xiaoping.

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Xiaoping, Z., Hancheng, L., Yunqi, N. et al. A review of major progresses in mesoscale dynamic research in China since 1999. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 21, 497–504 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02915576

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