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Background Research Applications. Philip Hayes The Florida State University. Area Topics of Research. High-resolution modeling of jet dynamics using the WRF model. High-resolution modeling of hurricanes using the HWRF model. Theoretical and observational validation of remotely sensed data.
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Background Research Applications Philip Hayes The Florida State University
Area Topics of Research • High-resolution modeling of jet dynamics using the WRF model. • High-resolution modeling of hurricanes using the HWRF model. • Theoretical and observational validation of remotely sensed data.
WRF Model Experience • Balanced and Unbalanced Flow in Primitive Equation Simulations of Baroclinic Wave Life Cycles • Examined the destabilization of a baroclinic jet by augmenting the shape of the dynamic tropopause using the WRF model. • Observed the horizontal divergence field and the residual of the Non-linear Balance Equation.
WRF Model Knowledge • Experienced operation of the WRF model. • Calculated and created numerical profiles of new parameter variables. • Comfortable with developing new modules in the WRF model. • Used Vis5D software & NCAR graphics.
HWRF Model • Produced numerous sensitivity studies on: • horizontal resolution • vertical resolution • boundary conditions • one-way/two-way interactive nesting • Incorporated a module that compensates for sea spray effects. • Created shell scripts to operate and run the HWRF model.
Remotely Sensed Research • Determining Surface Winds from Doppler Radar Data during Hurricane Passages over Florida • Primary objective of research: produce high resolution spatial fields of surface (10 m) winds using Level II archived Doppler radar data. • Research required: • Creative and unique techniques to obtain the results. • Knowledge of error statistics and validation techniques. • Ability to use multiple programming languages and software packages.
Radial Velocity Dilemma • Measures component of • wind along radar beam. • Wind component • tangential to beam seen • as zero, parallel to beam • measures full 2-D wind. • Produces data gaps • throughout the velocity • field. • Algorithm must be • created to convert radial • velocity field into a total • wind field. Hurricane Jeanne Radial velocity = 0 mph. Radial velocity = 150 mph
Total Wind Calculation • Used C++ programming incorporated into the Warning Decision Support System – II (WDSS-II) to quality control, unfold, and output the correct velocity data. • Created Fortran algorithm that received this data and calculated a total wind field from only radial velocities.
Reduction Factor Process • Must compensate for the variability of the boundary layer over land. • Reduce all gridpoints using Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory
Roughness Length • As surface layer becomes • rougher, wind speed • decreases more rapidly • with height due to • frictional effects. • Hazards United States • (HAZUS) project contain • roughness length plots • within Florida at a • resolution of 111.11 m. • Later research will use • effective roughness • length.
GIS Land Use Data • Land use/Land coverage data • collected by 4 Water • Management Districts • South Florida • Southwest Florida • St. John’s • Suwannee River • Dataset derived by photo- • interpreting 1:12,000 UGSG color • infrared digital orthophoto quarter • quadrangles.
TOTAL WIND (before reduction) SURFACE WIND (after reduction) • Animation of Hurricane Jeanne (2004). • Maximum wind speed before reduction ~ 121 kts. • Maximum wind speed after reduction ~ 88 kts. • Strongest winds offshore.
TOTAL WIND (before reduction) SURFACE WIND (after reduction) • Animation of Hurricane Jeanne (2004). • Maximum wind speed before reduction ~ 121 kts. • Maximum wind speed after reduction ~ 88 kts. • Strongest winds offshore.
Surface Wind Swath between 0926_00Z and 0926_06Z • Hurricane • strength winds • pictured in green • and warmer. • Strongest winds • north of the • hurricane track. • Validation of wind • speeds vs. ASOS • data is sparse.
Validation Issues • Sparse ASOS data • limits the validation of the • Doppler-derived wind field. • ASOS failures common • due to high winds, flying • debris, and design faults. • Data collected by ASOS • may contain errors of up to • 10.5% for land-based • observations (Powell et al. • 1996). • Other methods for • validation must be • explored. KMLB
Observational Data • Florida Coastal Monitoring Program • Data provided by U.F. Professor Dr. Gurley • Measures ground level winds with four portable towers.
Research Experience • Early research with WRF/HWRF required strong ability to work in team environment. • Ph.D. research heavily involved generating products and results independently. • Quickly learned new applications needed to complete research (i.e. GIS, Matlab, Grads scripting).