A large-eddy simulation study of deep-convection initiation through the collision of two sea-breeze fronts

However, deep-convection initiation (DCI), which determines when and where deep convection develops, has not yet been fully understood. Here, large-eddy simulations are performed to investigate the detailed processes of DCI, which occurs through the collision of two sea-breeze fronts developing over a peninsula.

In the simulation with a maximum total heat flux over land of 700 or 500 W m(-2), DCI is accomplished through the development of three generations of convection. The first generation of convection is randomly produced along the colliding sea-breeze fronts. The second generation of convection only develops in regions where no strong downdrafts are produced by the first generation of convection and is also mainly produced through the collision of the sea-breeze fronts.