The Terrain-induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX) is
a scientific field study that will explore the fascinating and
confounding structure and evolution of atmospheric rotors---intense
low-level horizontal vortices that form along an axis parallel
to, and downstream of, a mountain ridge crest---as well as associated
phenomena in complex terrain. Although it is well known that atmospheric
rotors pose a great hazard to ground transport and aviation, are
a major component of powerful windstorms and can loft large amounts
of pollution, there have been only a few studies of limited scope
and no comprehensive studies of this important phenomenon in the
last 30 years. Despite the significance of rotors, the studies
have been so scarce because a comprehensive approach to the complex
coupled system necessary to understand rotors has become possible
only recently as a result of the newest advances in remote sensing
technology, atmospheric numerical modeling, and our understanding
of boundary-layer processes. Consequently, the main scientific
objective proposed for T-REX is a comprehensive study of the coupled
mountain-wave/rotor/boundary-layer system.
T-REX field activities will take place in Owens Valley of California
in March and April 2006. The Owens Valley lies to the east of the
southern Sierra Nevada, which is the tallest, steepest, quasi two-dimensional
topographic barrier in the contiguous United States (including
its highest peak, Mt. Whitney). Mountain waves and attendant rotors
are known to reach particularly striking amplitude and strength
there. Ground-based and airborne, in-situ and remote-sensing measurements
will be conducted both upwind and within Owens Valley during the
two month period. The field operations will be supported by real-time
mesoscale model forecasts, and ensuing field research will be tightly
coupled with numerical modeling studies. Participants in this project,
include investigators from a large number of US universities and
agencies, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and several
European universities and research institutes.
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