Assessing the Convective Environment over Irrigated and Nonirrigated Land Use with Land–Atmosphere Coupling Metrics: Results from GRAINEX

Abstract

Abstract Land-use land-cover change affects weather and climate. This paper quantifies land–atmosphere interactions over irrigated and nonirrigated land uses during the Great Plains Irrigation Experiment (GRAINEX). Three coupling metrics were used to quantify land–atmosphere interactions as they relate to convection. They include the convective triggering potential (CTP), the low-level humidity index (HIlow), and the lifting condensation level (LCL) deficit. These metrics were calculated from the rawinsonde data obtained from the Integrated Sounding Systems (ISSs) for Rogers Farm and York Airport along with soundings launched from the three Doppler on Wheels (DOW) sites. Each metric was categorized by intensive observation period (IOP), cloud cover, and time of day. Results show that with higher CTP, lower HIlow, and lower LCL deficit, conditions were more favorable for convective development over irrigated land use. When metrics were grouped and analyzed by IOP, compared to nonirrigated land use, HIlow was found to be lower for irrigated land use, suggesting favorable conditions for convective development. Furthermore, when metrics were grouped and analyzed by clear and nonclear days, CTP values were higher over irrigated cropland than nonirrigated land use. In addition, compared to nonirrigated land use, the LCL deficit during the peak growing season was lower over irrigated land use, suggesting a favorable condition for convection. It is found that with the transition from the early summer to the mid/peak summer and increased irrigation, the environment became more favorable for convective development over irrigated land use. Finally, it was found that regardless of background atmospheric conditions, irrigated land use provided a favorable environment for convective development.