LEAD-TO-LEARN

EXPLORING LAKE EFFECT SNOW

WORK SHEET


Fulton


Introduction
In this activity you will interact with numerical model output to explore the ingredients for generating lake effect snow.  You will use a case study that covers the event that occurred in the Oswego, NY area on January 28-30, 2004.

Objectives
By the end of this module you should be able to:

•    Identify atmospheric variables important in the generation of lake effect snow
•    Explain and identify the role and effect of each ingredient in the generation of lake effect snow
•    Analyze and identify these ingredients in a real data environment through a case study

Background
Lake effect snow often takes place downwind of large bodies of water.  In the U.S. it is most common in the Great Lakes region during the winter months.  These snow bands vary in size and intensity, and can have snowfall rates of up to 15 cm/hr. The lake effect process has several key factors.  First, the air temperature above the body of water must be greater than the air temperature downwind of the water.  This will lead to instability downwind of the body of water, which will cause convection and upward motion.  These factors are explained in more detail in the following sections:

1) Temperature/Synoptic Conditions

2) Instability

3) Convection

4) Others Factors (such as fetch, wind shear, humidity, cloud microphysics and wind speed.) 

5) Snow Bands

6) Questions

 




Loading the IDV Bundle
Click on the link to the bundle lake_effect.xidv.  Two main windows should appear: The Display Window and the Data Selector Window.  Various Parameter Windows will also appear.  When you have the bundle loaded, go to the next section.

NOTE: In some instances, the IDV bundle loads properly but appears to be frozen (Bundle will not loop and parameters will not show up when checked). If this occurs, go to “File”, then “New” > “Display Window” >“Map Display” > “One Pane”. A new display window should appear and the bundle will now be fully functional.

References

Next

LEAD-to-Learn Modules