Convection Initiation

The onset of deep, moist convection, in which parcels are lifted to their level of free convection (LFC) and become positively buoyant over a significant vertical depth. Initiation commonly, though not exclusively, occurs along mesoscale convergence zones, such as fronts, drylines, outflow boundaries, and boundaries induced by differential surface heating (e.g., sea breezes). Other common forcing mechanisms for convection initiation include, but are not limited to, orographic circulations, gravity waves, planetary boundary layer (PBL) thermals and circulations (e.g., diurnally driven dry PBL convection and horizontal convective rolls), and mesoscale convergence associated with low-level jets.

See also thunderstorm initiation mechanism.

Markowski, P. and Y. Richardson, 2010: Mesoscale Meteorology in Midlatitudes. Wiley and Sons, 432 pp.

Term edited 19 June 2023.

1. The study of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the earth's atmosphere, including the related effects at the air–earth boundary over both land and the oceans. Fundamental topics include the composition, structure, and motion of the atmosphere. The goals ascribed to meteorology are the complete understanding and accurate prediction of atmospheric phenomena.