[University home]

Centre for Atmospheric Science

CSIP-Convective Storm Initiation Project

Results
Browning et al (2006) give a full overview of the CSIP field campaign of 2005, detailing the conditions in the 18 IOPs. The table below, taken from the overview, summarises all the conditions that met the scientific objectives of CSIP. Of these, IOPs 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12 and 18 were given an ? rating, indicating that these allowed the full testing of clearly defined scientific hypotheses, although all IOPs are discussed in Browning et al (2006). Browning et al (2007) discuss aspects of the IOPS in greater detail, analysing the project in terms of scientific themes such as boundary layer forcing and primary and secondary initiation, and also detailing how the work has contributed to the development of forecasting models.

CSIP Routes.
CSIP Routes.
Summary Table.
Summary Table.
Data available from the 3 Ghz radar at Chilbolton, from Browning et al (2007).
Data available from the 3 Ghz radar at Chilbolton, from Browning et al (2007).
Typical example of the high-resolution satellite imagery that formed an essential part of the CSIP database, giving a clear indication in this instance of a convergence line, from Browning et al (2007).
Typical example of the high-resolution satellite imagery that formed an essential part of the CSIP database, giving a clear indication in this instance of a convergence line, from Browning et al (2007).

The Centre for Atmospheric Science contributed data from the Cessna and the wind profiler. The wind profiler ran for much of the duration of the project, whilst the Cessna made a total of ten flights during the 2005 campaign, providing temperature, humidity and wind speed fields over the CSIP area. The figures below show data from a case study during IOP16, where a convergence zone was detected whilst the Cessna was flying the “Northern Box” flight plan. The wind direction (measured at an altitude of 680m amsl) varied dramatically over the measurement region, indicating convergence towards the north of the box. The apparent location of the convergence was observed to move eastwards during the course of three flights around the box. (The wind vector was measured using a new instrument, the Aventech AIMMS20AQ, and this instrument is assessed by Beswick et al (2007) who also discuss the case study of IOP16.) Also shown is data from the wind profiler, which again shows a dramatic change in wind direction throughout the day.

Wind Vector.
Wind Vector.
Temperature.
Temperature.

References
Beswick et al, Application of the Aventech AIMMS20AQ airborne probe for turbulence measurements during the Convective Storm Initiation Project, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2007, in press.

Browning et al, A summary of the Convective Storm Initiation Project Intensive Operation Periods, Forecasting Technical Report No. 474, available from http://www.metoffice.gov.uk, 2006.

Browning et al, The Convective Storm Initiation Project, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 2007, in press.