Spatial, Seasonal, and Synoptic Variations in Air Temperature Lapse Rates

TitleSpatial, Seasonal, and Synoptic Variations in Air Temperature Lapse Rates
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference2006
AuthorsBlandford, T. R., Humes K. S., Harshburger B. J., Moore B. C., and Walden V. P.
Conference Name74th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 74th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 2006
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationLas Cruces, NM
KeywordsLapse rate, snowmelt modeling, spatial scale, seasonal weather variation
Abstract

The average atmospheric lapse rate of -0.65 ºC/100m commonly applied in snowmelt/streamflow prediction models and other investigations of environmental processes is a spatially-global and temporally-climatic average (or standard). It should be applied with caution at other scales. The objective of this research is to evaluate daily surface (2 m) air temperature lapse rates at a spatial scale that has not been evaluated thoroughly in other literature. Specifically, seasonal and synoptic weather type variations in lapse rates will be evaluated for a basin less than 10,000 km2. The performance of long-term average versus seasonal lapse rates is evaluated using cross-validation. Application of the lapse rates to forecasted air temperature is discussed. (Abstract only)

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/2006Blandford.pdf