A study on local weather variability in complex terrain using the Bergen School Mesonet

Abstract

This thesis investigates local- to mesoscale variability in winds, temperature and precipitation and is based on data delivered by a network of school weather stations in the greater surrounding of Bergen, Norway. The high spatial resolution of the data allows detailed mapping of average wind and precipitation during different synoptic conditions and contributes to a better understanding of orographically modified flow in this region. High temporal resolution additionally allows monitoring of short-term weather variability. Several case studies on the diurnal evolution of the lower atmosphere during specific weather events led to the conclusion, that the network is a reasonable source of data for most scientific purposes, with limitations. Intercomparison to hindcasts of the numerical weather prediction system AROME-Norway yielded discrepancies in coastal regions and surroundings with steep topography. Good overall agreement was achieved in less complex terrain.