Volume Imaging Lidar Observations and Large-eddy simulations from the Lake-Induced Convection Experiment

Shane Mayor, NCAR

The University of Wisconsin's Volume Imaging Lidar (VIL) was deployed on the western shore of Lake Michigan during the 97-98 Lake Induced Convection Experiment (Lake-ICE). The objective for the VIL was to observe the leading edge of the intense convective boundary layer that forms over the lake during cold air outbreaks. The lidar data were used to test large-eddy simulations (LES) of these horizontally inhomogeneous environments. This seminar will show the unique capabilities of the VIL and comparisons of lidar data and LES output. Comparisons indicate that the LES can do a good job of simulating open cell convection near the surface but failed to properly organize the convective plumes near the middle of the mixed layer. This is probably due to the boundary conditions that inhibited an accurate simulation of gravity waves in the capping inversion layer.