The Observation and Analyses of Structure and Evolution of Heavy Precipitation Systems before and after Being Influenced by Terrain in Taiwan and Vicinity Area

In this project the PI attempts to apply newly developed 3DVAR- and 4DVAR-based data analysis methods which, after assimilating radar observations and data from other instruments, can provide three-dimensional high temporal/spatial resolution of meteorological fields. These fields include dynamic, thermodynamic, and microphysical variables. It is proposed to use these high quality data sets to study the meso-scale severe rainfall systems in Taiwan and vicinity area, including the convection initiation, development, movement, and decay. The focus is on the understanding of the role played by terrain and cold pool, and the influence of wind shear, thermodynamic, and moisture fields on the convective system. The data needed for this project will be from the regular observations in Taiwan as well as Taiwan-area Atmospheric and Hydrological Observation and Prediction Experiment (TAHOPE). The results produced from this project could allow us to better understand the characteristics and the physical mechanisms causing the evolution of the strong convective systems in Taiwan and vicinity areas, and help to improve model’s capability to conduct short-term forecast of heavy rain fall.