Model calculations of the thermally induced mesoscale mountain wind circulation

A hydrostatic mesoscale model was used to describe thermally induced mountain wind circulation systems. Model simulations for mountains with the horizontal scale of the Alps show the basic structure of the circulation and its sensitivity to variations of surface parameters such as roughness, albedo, and evaporation. For a smaller scale alpine region mountain and valley, winds in long valleys can be simulated realistically if the surrounding mountains are ascending towards the center of the mountains. Aircraft data showing surface temperatures as a function of terrain altitude and surface characteristics verify the model.