Development and Implementation of an Isentropic Potential Vorticity Algorithm foruse at Air Force Global Weather Center

摘要

This thesis presents and validates methods for calculating isentropic potentialvorticity (IPV) and applies these methods in software programs planned for implementation at the Air Force Global Weather Center (AFGWC). The IPV programs provide Air Force Weather forecasters additional tools to diagnose atmospheric kinematics and understand atmospheric dynamics. Program development and analysis consists of three main steps: (1) data retrieval; (2) IPV calculations; and, (3) interpolation to an isentropic vertical coordinate system. This thesis recommends performing IPV calculations at constant pressure for comparison with other mandatory-level isobaric parameters, or in routine cross-sectional analysis. Additionally, a recommendation is made to calculate IPV at constant potential temperature from interpolated isentropic state variables instead of interpolating isobaric IPV fields. Applications of the developed programs include visualization of synoptic-scale motions an alternative method of locating the tropopause in cross-sectional analysis.