This project investigates various aspects of the initiation of deep moist convection. Our primary goal is to improve understanding of the processes that govern convection initiation. A secondary goal is to determine the finescale structure of mesoscale boundaries and their role in promoting convection initiation. Possible emphases include either cloud-mesoscale modeling studies or field experiments. A three-dimensional cloud-mesoscale model is used with either real-data or parametric initialization approaches to identify important mesoscale processes and sensitivities influencing boundary evolution and convection initiation. Field experiments employ arrays of mobile remote and in-situ observing platforms to obtain data sets that are useful for testing various convection initiation hypotheses. Observational data may be obtained from a range of ground-based mobile and airborne platforms including microwave and millimeter-wavelength Doppler radars, DIAL lidars, mesonets, and various sounding and profiling systems. Data assimilation research investigates optimal strategies for blending the various remote in-situ observations to obtain complete and internally consistent four-dimensional analyses of wind, pressure, virtual temperature, and absolute humidity variations within the boundary layer.

 

key words

Convection initiation; Deep moist convection; Mesoscale boundary; Radar observations; Profiler observations; In-situ observations; Cloud model; Mesoscale model; Model initialization; Data assimilation;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.