Abstract
Atmospheric vortex streets are a widely studied dynamical effect of isolated mountainous islands. Observational evidence comes from case studies and satellite imagery, but the climatology and annual cycle of vortex shedding are often poorly understood. Using the non-hydrostatic limited-area COSMO model driven by the ERA-Interim reanalysis, we conducted a ten-year-long simulation over a mesoscale domain covering Madeira and Canary Archipelagos at high spatial (grid spacing 1 km) and temporal resolutions. Basic properties of vortex streets were analyzed and validated through a 6-day-long case study in the lee of Madeira Island. The simulation compares well with satellite and aerial observations and with existing literature on idealized simulations. Our results show a strong dependency of vortex shedding on local and synoptic flow conditions, which are to a large extent governed by the location, shape, and strength of the Azores high. As part of the case study, we developed a vortex identification algorithm. The algorithm is based on a set of objective criteria and enabled us to develop a climatology of vortex shedding from Madeira Island for the 10-year simulation period. The analysis shows a pronounced annual cycle with an increasing vortex shedding rate from April to August and a sudden decrease in September. This cycle is consistent with mesoscale wind conditions and local inversion height patterns.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
