Airflow within complex terrain

Data collected on the south side of the European Alps during the Special Observing Period (SOP) of the Mesoscale Alpine Program (MAP) were analyzed. Idealized simulation experiments were carried out using the new Weather Research and Forecasting model to further a fundamental understanding of the effect of atmospheric moisture on the flow of air past two- and three-dimensional topography. Initial results indicate that moist processes related to the formation of clouds and precipitation exert a significant effect on the flow of air and within complex terrain.