2023-05-27 09:24:58
Much has been written about the serious consequences of the Isolated High Level Depression (DANA) that this week has caused heavy flooding in the Region of Murcia. However, in this article I will focus on the characteristics of this dangerous meteorological phenomenon, its causes and how scientific progress, through artificial intelligence, can help combat them. To do this, I will answer six key questions about DANAs.
1) How is a DANA formed? From the interaction of different air masses in the atmosphere. Typically, a warm, moist air mass from the sea collides with a cold air mass at higher levels. This encounter causes a temperature and pressure gradient that leads to the formation of an isolated depression at altitude. The depression is decoupled from the general atmospheric flows and becomes an independent system.
2) Where are the DANAs formed? In the middle and upper troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere that extends from the earth’s surface to approximately 10-15 kilometers high, depending on latitude and weather conditions. DANA should not be confused with DAS (Surface Isolated Depression), also known as “segregated lows” or “cold drops”. Although the latter also form when a cold, moist air mass comes into contact with a warmer, drier air mass, and are also often accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and even hail, DAS occur in the lower troposphere, while DANAs occur in the middle and upper troposphere. Of course, when a DAS develops and persists in the lower troposphere, it can influence the formation and behavior of a DANA in the middle and upper troposphere.
3) Why do DANAs form in the mid-upper troposphere? On the one hand, the formation of DANAs implies the interaction of different air masses with different characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric stability. In the middle and upper troposphere, where the air masses tend to have more different characteristics, the conditions are favorable for the formation of DANAs. In addition, DANAs are characterized by their decoupling from general atmospheric flows, that is, they move independently of broader weather systems. In the middle and upper troposphere, where atmospheric flows are weaker and more changeable, a DANA is more likely to separate and move independently. On the other hand, in the middle and upper troposphere, there is a greater vertical variation of temperature and atmospheric pressure. These gradients provide the impetus for the formation of weather systems, including DANAs. Finally, the upper and middle troposphere is a region conducive to the development of atmospheric instability, which is essential for cloud formation and precipitation associated with DANAs.
4) Why do many DANAs occur near the sea? Due to the presence on the coast of various atmospheric processes associated with the formation and evolution of DANA. These include: i) The advection of moisture from the sea or surrounding regions. Moisture provides the necessary fuel for cloud development and precipitation generation; ii) The convergence of winds causes an accumulation of air mass and a decrease in pressure, which contributes to the formation of the isolated depression; iii) The presence of unstable air masses on the coast favors the rise of air and the generation of convective clouds (those produced by the vertical movements of the air masses).
5) How does a DANA differ from other meteorological systems? The DANA have very particular distinctive characteristics. I will highlight four: i) Slow and erratic movement. DANAs move slowly in the atmosphere and can show erratic motion, which contributes to their persistence and long-lasting influence in a given region; ii) Long duration. DANA can persist for several days, generating adverse weather conditions over an extended period; iii) Intense rainfall. DANAs are often associated with heavy rainfall, which can lead to flash flooding and landslides in affected regions; iv) Variable winds. DANAs can generate variable winds, which can change direction and speed based on topography and other local factors.
6) How can artificial intelligence combat DANA? When we talk about artificial intelligence (AI) we refer to the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning and problem solving. AI contributes to the study and analysis of DANA at five levels:
a. Training mechanism. AI can be used to analyze and process large volumes of atmospheric and oceanographic data, helping researchers and meteorologists to better understand the formation mechanisms of these troughs.
b. Modeling and prediction. By analyzing large amounts of weather data, AI can identify patterns and correlations that can be useful in predicting the development, trajectory, and intensity of DANAs.
c. Improved detection and tracking. The AI can analyze satellite data, radar and other sources of information to identify and track the evolution of DANAs in real time.
d. Response optimization. AI allows for proper planning of the emergency response and risk management in the face of a DANA. In addition, AI can help improve early warning systems and decision making in crisis situations.
e. future scenarios. AI-based models can simulate different atmospheric conditions and climate scenarios to understand how DANAs might evolve in the future. This is especially relevant in the context of climate change.
Dear readers of LA VERDAD, few meteorological phenomena are as dangerous as DANA. Let’s not underestimate them and, as Sergeant Esterhaus said in the mythical ‘Sad Song of Hill Street’, be careful out there.
#science #DANA