Model investigation of a cloudband associated with a cold front over Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the occurrence of a cloudband associated with a cold front over the maritime area south from the Greek Peninsula. This cloudband was clearly evident on the infrared satellite picture, oriented nearly parallel to the frontal surface. The relevance of Conditional Symmetric Instability as a possible mechanism for the formation of this band is investigated through model simulations. The model analysis was performed with the three dimensional non-hydrostatic Colorado State University - Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (CSU-RAMS). Inspection of the moist potential vorticity pattern within a cross-section perpendicular to the cloudband supported the hypothesis that Conditional Symmetric Instability was the mechanism which favoured the band formation at the leading edge of the cold frontal surface.