Dynamic tropopause (DT) maps

The maps of potential temperature on the dynamic tropopause (DT) are constructed by:
(1) interpolating the model variables from pressure to isentropic surfaces
(2) calculating Ertel PV on each isentropic surface
(3), shading the values of PV greater than | 1.5 | PVU from the upper-most isentropic surface to the lowest.
This is referred to as the "contour-fill" method. In regions of tropopause folds, the continuum of colors (red - high theta to purple for low theta) is disrupted.

For additional information about tropopause maps, visit this tutorial

Other real-time tropopause maps can be found at the University of Washington.

Dataset.

Beginning 1200 UTC 22 May, the AVN 1 degree grids are used to produce these maps. The dataset is available up to 10 hPa. The forecast animations (at the bottom of this page) extend to 168 h.

North America

The 4-panel maps show the

a) Dynamic tropopause (DT maps)
b) 300-200 hPa and 850-700 hPa layer-averaged PV maps
c) 850 hPa theta-e (note the shading increment for theta-e and the DT maps are identical)
d) surface pressure, 1000-500 hPa thickness, and 700 hPa vertical velocity (shaded).

Animation of the F000 4-panel plots for the past 15 days.
Most Recent

Forecasts

Forecasts for 00h, 06h, 12h, 18h, 24h, 30h, 36h, 42h, 48h, 60h, 72h, 84h and 96 h

0000 UTC initialization: Animation of the 0000 UTC forecast

1200 UTC initialization: Animation of the 1200 UTC forecast

Coupling Potential

Animation of Potential temperature on the dynamic tropopause (left) and 850 hPa Equivalent Potential Temperature (shaded) and "Coupling Potential"(contoured)
Most Recent

Coupling potential is defiend as the difference between the potential temperature on the DT and the 850 hPa equivalent potential temperature. This gives a measure of the deep layer stability (see Bosart and Lackmann 1995)

The Eady view of the atmosphere

This two panel figure show the dynamic tropopause (same format as above) and the surface potential temperature and its gradient. The temperature map was modeled after the observational map originally created by Eric Hoffman

Animation of the "Eady view" 2-panel plots (at F000) for the past 15 days
Most Recent


Northern Hemisphere

Potential Temperature on the Dynamic Tropopause:

Most Recent Animation last 15 days

850 Equivalent Potential Temperature:

Most Recent, Animation last 15 days

Animation of PV and winds on the

310 K surface: Most Recent Animation

325 K surface: Most Recent Animation

350 K surface: Most Recent Animation


Southern Hemisphere

Potential Temperature on the Dynamic Tropopause:

Most Recent Animation last 15 days

850 Equivalent Potential Temperature:

Most Recent, Animation last 15 days


Tropical Products

DT animation for the tropics (tropical strip 60 S to 60 N)

Western Hemisphere: Most Recent Animation last 15 days

Eastern Hemisphere: Most Recent Animation last 15 days

Atlantic Basin animations:

Potential Temperature on the Dynamic Tropopause, 200-900 hPa Vertical Wind Shear (m/s), and 900 hPa Relative Vorticity

Most Recent Animation last 15 days

NEW0000 UTC initialization:96 h forecast

NEW1200 UTC initialization:96 h forecast

Pressure (hPa) and Winds (m/s) on the Dynamic Tropopause and 900 hPa Relative Vorticity

Most Recent Animation last 15 days

NEW0000 UTC initialization:96 h forecast

NEW1200 UTC initialization:96 h forecast


The University at Albany, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department Weather data and forecast information.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Mike Dickinson
mjd@atmos.albany.edu