The "triple point" on 24 May 2002 during IHOP. Part I: Airborne doppler and LASE analyses of the Frontal Boundaries Convection Initiation

High-spatial-resolution Doppler wind syntheses combined with vertical cross sections of mixing ratio (q) and aerosol scattering ratio retrieved from a lidar flying over the triple point provide an unprecedented view of the initiation process. The Doppler wind synthesis revealed variability along the dryline similar to the precipitation core/gap structure documented for oceanic cold fronts.

Vertical cross sections through the dryline suggest a density current-like structure with the hot and dry air being forced up and over the moist air. Double thin lines associated with moisture gradients were also resolved. The vertical profile of retrieved q, approximately perpendicular to the dryline, showed a pronounced jump in the depth of the moisture layer across the triple point.