Abstract
The kinematic structure of the convective part of a midlatitude squall line observed on 20 June 1984, is investigated by dual-Doppler radar analysis. This squall line moved eastward through the observing network of the Landes-Fronts 84 experiment in the southwest of France. The convective line is associated with a forward anvil cloud and a trailing stratiform region. Small-scale structure from Doppler radar data reveals a deep southeasterly inflow air which feeds convective-scale updrafts and downdrafts. Updraft air detrains at upper levels and creates a rear-to-front flow in the forward anvil. Downdraft transports midlevel air at low levels and detrains near the surface. This kinematic structure resembles that of another midlatitude observed in Oklahoma although strong differences exist. The differences are mainly due to the absence of low-level updrafts in the 20 June case. This results from the far location of the convergence zone between the inflow and the outflow from the cell downdraft. Moreover, dry and stable ambient air produced by orographic effects contributes to prevent low-level updrafts to develop and to limit the source of updraft air at a higher level: maximum convergence within the system occurs at midlevels. This may explain why the system is gradually decaying as it moves eastward.
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