Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone

Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone

The Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone (DCVZ) is an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by convergent winds east of the Denver metropolitan area, typically 50 to 100 km in length and oriented in a north-south direction. This meteorological feature was subject to academic scrutiny following a large outbreak of Denver-area tornadoes in 1981, and has been used to explain the propensity of the area to spawn landspout and supercell tornadoes. The DCVZ is often associated with the Denver Cyclone effect, though the Denver Cyclone is considered a distinct atmospheric phenomenon by some observers.[1]

Contents

Characteristics

DCVZ conditions form when a moist, southeasterly air mass meets the Palmer Divide, a ridge that extends east of the Colorado Front Range. If the moist air lifts over the ridge and meets northwesterly winds originating in the Rocky Mountain foothills, winds may converge to create enhanced vorticity.[2] A study conducted between 1981 and 1989 demonstrated that the DCVZ formed on one-third of all days during the convective season (May through August). .[3] DCVZ conditions are often associated with the Denver Cyclone effect, which is characterized by the formation of a large gyre near the city center.[1]

Role in Denver-Area Tornado Formation

Several studies have documented the role of the DCVZ in tornado outbreaks across the Denver area. Using climatic data from the 1980s, one researcher has suggested that the presence of a strong June DCVZ has been associated with a 70% chance of zone-area tornado formation.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Pietrycha, A. Email correspondence quoted by Sam Barricklow, http://www.k5kj.net/DCVZ.htm
  2. ^ Egger, C., Colorado’s Front Range: Understanding Tornadogenesis in Relation to the Denver Cyclone http://www.theweatherprediction.com/weatherpapers/013/index.html, n.d.
  3. ^ Szoke, E.J., and J.A. Augustine, 1990: An examination of the mean flow and thermodynamic characteristics of a mesoscale flow feature: The Denver Cyclone. Fourth Conference on Metroscale Processes, Boulder, American Meteorological Society.
  4. ^ Szoke, E.J., and J.A. Augustine, 1990: A decade of tornado occurrence associated with a mesoscale flow feature: The Denver Cyclone. 16th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Alberta, Canada, American Meteorological Society, 554-559.

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