Heated Condensation Framework

Assesses the atmospheric background state with respect to convective initiation using h_BCL and θ_BM. Convection can also be identified as having been triggered due to local surface forcing when θ_def equals zero. Additionally the amount of surface sensible heat flux necessary for triggering convection assuming no additional moisture inputs is defined by SH_def, representing the strictly heat pathway. Conversely the moisture pathway for triggering is quantified by LH_def and the most energy advantageous pathway is defined by E_adv. Finally the potential temperature, height above ground, and pressure at which a transition from heat to moisture advantage occurs is also returned by θ_tran, h_tran, and P_tran respectively.

Identifies which convective events originated due to local surface forcing. When θ_def = 0 then the convection is identified as being triggered locally, otherwise the event was triggered by other non-local sources. When applying this distinction to model output be mindful of horizontal resolution because coarser resolutions would likely not capture the necessary surface heterogeneity. Generally grid sizes finer enough to resolve the dominate land surface type is sufficient, but the finer the better. See Figure Figures 2 and 7 from Part I, and Figures 5-8 from Part II

Quantifies that atmospheric background state by the variable θ_BM and h_BCL. Higher θ_BM and h_BCL translate to drier, more stable atmospheric background state with respect to convection. Practically these variables put the local surface forcing within the context of the background state. See Figure 7 from Part I, and Figure 1 from Part 2<

Helps assess whether the moisture or surface heating pathway is most efficient for triggering convection as quantified by E_adv. When E_adv is greater than 45, injecting moisture into the boundary layer through either evaporation or advection is more effective at triggering convection. When E_adv less than 45 means heating the surface is more efficient at triggering convection than injecting moisture. See Figures 5 and 6 from Part I, and Figure 9 from Part II.

Use morning measurements of the atmospheric background state, θ_BM, and collocated soil moisture to identify the states that are most conducive to triggering convection later in the day. This is a method for identifying positive and negative feedbacks between soil moisture and convection. See Figure 11 from Part II.

The above usages can be calculated from observations and models and then used to explore biases in convective initiation timing, atmospheric background state of convective triggering, the most energy efficient pathways for triggering, and local soil moisture-convection interactions.

Required Input Data:

Needs vertical profiles of temperature, specific humidity, pressure, and height. Works well with radiosonde data and model/reanalysis output.

temperature

specific humidity

geopotential height

pressure

Assess the atmospheric background state with respect to convective initiation and identifies local versus non-locally triggered moist convection.