4D-OMEGA FORM

Four-dimensional analyses of foehn in the Rhine Valley are the main focus of this project. This helps to better understand and forecast the life cycle of foehn and foehn-related phenomena. During MAP (www.map.ethz.ch) a tremendous amount of different data (surface weather stations, radiosondes, remote sensing instruments, aircraft measurements,) was collected in this target area. The first comprehensive data quality check will be included in our method. This is vital for meaningful high resolution four-dimensional analyses. Our analysis method VERAXX, which is based on a variational approach similar to a thin-plate-spline, is adapted to the complex terrain and to the anisotropy of the data distribution. Finally an extension of VERAXX to four dimensions is planned. Our model independent analyses can be used for objective investigations on foehn mechanisms and phenomena. They also provide a new possibility for the validation of models and for data assimilation. Furthermore, an ambitious aim is the application of VERAXX as a Nowcasting Tool.

Four-dimensional analyses of foehn in the Rhine Valley are the main focus of this project. This helps to better understand and forecast the life cycle of foehn and foehn-related phenomena. During MAP (www.map.ethz.ch) a tremendous amount of different data (surface weather stations, radiosondes, remote sensing instruments, aircraft measurements,) was collected in this target area. The first comprehensive data quality check will be included in our method. This is vital for meaningful high resolution four-dimensional analyses. Our analysis method VERAXX, which is based on a variational approach similar to a thin-plate-spline, is adapted to the complex terrain and to the anisotropy of the data distribution. Finally an extension of VERAXX to four dimensions is planned. Our model independent analyses can be used for objective investigations on foehn mechanisms and phenomena. They also provide a new possibility for the validation of models and for data assimilation. Furthermore, an ambitious aim is the application of VERAXX as a Nowcasting Tool.