Weather in Mountainous Terrain (Overcoming Scientific Barriers to Weather Support)

摘要

A major part of the Earth's land surface is covered by complex topography, which affects the weather as well as related 'quality of life' indicators such as air pollution, energy production, transportation and security. As a result, extensive work has been done on meteorology and air quality in urban basins located in complex topography. Nevertheless, flow in the proximity of mountains themselves or in very rugged terrain with little human habitation has received only little consideration. High gradients and large heights of terrain lead a host of important phenomena, for example, gravity waves, wind gusts, canyon flows, Venturi effects, stagnation, rotors, cold air pooling, up/down drafts, slope and cross flows, fog, snow/ice, convective clouds and lightning, which are highly variable and defy reliable forecasting. Recent U.S. military engagements in mountainous terrain have brought increased attention to mountain meteorology, and to this end a workshop was convened to bring together practitioners and scientists to discuss the state of the art of research and identify scientific and technological barriers to the prediction of mountain weather. The participants also provided recommendations for future research directions. The workshop was held in Tempe, Arizona, during February 1-2, 2010, and there were twenty six attendees representing the Departments of Army, Navy and Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and academia.