Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) occur globally and can account for significant percentages of the annual precipitation in some locations. MCSs are responsible for flooding as well as damaging surface winds in some instances. Thus, it is important for forecasters to understand when, where, and how MCSs develop and maintain themselves.
This module covers all modes of MCSs with a strong focus on the tropics and the different aspects that brings to MCS development, maintenance, and structure. It describes conceptual models of MCSs and the dynamical and physical processes that influence their evolution. Also included are examples of MCSs from various areas of the tropics.
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After completing this module, the learner will be able to:
- Recall the structure and lifecycle of different types of tropical MCSs (tropical squall line, bow echo, mesoscale convective complex, mesoscale convective vortex, and non-squall tropical cluster)
- Recognize MCSs in satellite and radar imagery
- List the potential weather hazards most likely associated with each type of MCS
- Identify key dynamic and thermodynamic environments favorable for each type of MCS, including favorable large-scale environments.
- Understand similarities and differences between tropical and midlatitude squall lines
- Describe the geographic climatology of tropical MCSs
Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems, Tropical MCS, MCS structure, MCS lifecycle, MCS precipitation, Squall Line, Squall Cluster, Bow Echo, Mesoscale Convective Complex, MCC, Mesoscale Convective Vortex, MCV, Non-squall Tropical Cluster, Non squall MCS, Tropical convection, Low-level Jet, Africa convection, Australia, Asia, South America, Caribbean, Mesoscale Convective Vortices, Flood, Damaging Winds
