FRONT-PORCH 2014

 

The Front Range Observational Network Testbed - Precipitation Observations and Research on Convection and Hydrometeorology (FRONT-PORCH) experiment is an investigation of meteorological and hydrological processes that are important to accurately predict the timing, location and intensity of orographic and convective precipitation and its hydrological response in complex terrain. The multi-organizational comprehensive range of processes contributing to convective and orographic precipitation over the mountains, foothills and plains in the FRONT domain. This scientific proposal will accomplish this by executing the following four principle research tasks:


Front Range Observational Network Testbed - Precipitation Observations and Research on Convection and Hydrometeorology

FRONT-PORCH has been proposed to NSF and is pending approval

Task 1-Physical Process Studies: Conduct hydrometeorological process research into the controls on warm season convection initiation, evolution and its hydrological responses in complex terrain.



Task 2-Radar Retrieval Research: Perform basic research with multi-parameter microwave radar systems on the spatially and temporally continuous retrieval of precipitation, wind, humidity and hydrometeor structures.

Task 3-Real-time Demonstrations: Demonstrate real-time, end-to-end, hydrometeorological (e.g., precipitation and streamflow) nowcasting capabilities

through assimilation of high resolution data into both NWP-based and extrapolation-based prediction systems.


Task 4-Collection of Radar Data Sets for Classroom Use: Obtain radar data sets which will serve as the basis of web-accessible modules designed to illustrate key mesoscale storm structures for upper level undergraduate and graduate students.

Facility request

Science Plan

Collaborative Efforts

DISCOVER/FRAPPE  ( Formerly FRAQ)

The goal of the DISCOVER/FRAPPE (Formerly FRAQ) project is to study the emission, transport and fate of various anthropogenic atmospheric chemical species along the Front Range urban/ex-urban corridor.  We see great synergy in the observational strategies of the DISCOVER/FRAW and FRONT-PORCH programs.  For more information click here.