INTRODUCTION TO MESOSCALE METEOROLOGY - IMPORTANT CONCEPTS AND QUESTIONS

1. According to Orlanski and Fujita, what space and time scales define the "mesoscale"?
2. Physically explain the "mesoscale" spectral gap. Do you think it exists with our current observing systems? Explain.
3. Define the meso alpha, beta, and gamma scales.
4. Discuss to what extent hydrostatic balance applies on the synoptic and mesoscales.
5. How are synoptic and mesoscales defined with respect to the Rossby radius of deformation? With respect to the Rossby number?
6. Based on a scale analysis, what forces are important on the synoptic and mesoscales?
7. By performing a scale analysis of the pressure gradient, coriolis, and centripital forces, what flow balance exists for parcels circulating around a synoptic-scale low and around a low-level mesocyclone within a supercell thunderstorm?