Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

Mesoscale Convective Vortices

Introduction

Objectives:

1. Show examples of satellite imagery that indicate a Mesoscale Convective Vortex (MCV) has developed
2. Describe the environment that is favorable for MCV formation and persistence
3. Discuss the potential effects that MCVs can have

Training Session Options

NOAA/NWS students – to begin the training, use the web-based video, YouTube video, or audio playback options below (if present for this session). Certificates of completion for NOAA/NWS employees can be obtained by accessing the session via the Commerce Learning Center.

1. Live VISIT teletraining session led by an instructor (15 minutes). Check the VISIT Training Calendar to see the current schedule and sign up. Upon registering for a teletraining session, you will receive an email with a link (GoToMeeting or WebEx) to connect to the session.
2. YouTube video:

References/Additional Links

• Talking points are available for this lesson and may be printed out to easily review the session in detail at any time.
• Trier, S. B., C. A. Davis and J. D. Tuttle, 2000: Long-lived mesosconvective vortices and their environment. Part I: Observations from the central United States during the 1998 warm season. Mon. Wea. Rev., 3376-3395.
• Davis, C. A., D. A. Ahijevych and S. B. Trier, 2002: Detection and prediction of warm season midtropospheric vortices by the Rapid Update Cycle. Mon. Wea. Rev., 24-42
• See also papers by J. M. Fristch and by Jason Knievel.